Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education (HDCOE) recently announced Danielle Asbell and Kaleigh Bernard winners of the Fall 2024 Jimmy W. Bilbo Excellence in Student Teaching Award. The award is given in memory of Dr. Jimmy W. Bilbo who was instrumental in developing and leading Lee’s Teacher Education Program for 35 years. 

“These individuals truly represent the excellence that the HDCOE seeks to instill in all our teacher candidates,” said Dr. Shane Brown, director of Lee’s Teacher Education Program and Field Experiences. “We are excited about the life-changing impact they, along with their peers, will have for the Kingdom and for well-deserving students across the globe.” 

Danielle Asbell, a math education (6-12th) major from Chapel Hill, Tennessee, completed her student teaching at Cleveland High School (CHS) and graduated from Lee this month. She will be the new 10th grade geometry teacher at CHS next fall while pursuing her master’s degree at Middle Tennessee State University.  

Kaleigh Bernard, an interdisciplinary studies major (K-5th) from Gallatin, Tennessee, did her student teaching in 2nd grade at Waterville Elementary and Kindergarten at Athens City Primary. After graduation, she plans to return to Gallatin and teach 4th graders. 

Two other Lee University students, Annalise Long and Macy Luithle, spoke about their student teaching experiences at a ceremony honoring all of the fall student teachers earlier this month.  

Long is a TESOL (K-12th) major from Fairview, Tennessee, and reflected on her experience student teaching at Stuart Elementary and Ooltewah High School. After graduation, she plans to move to Virginia and work as an English as a Second Language teacher. 

A native of Cleveland, Tennessee, Luithle shared about her Walker Valley High and Michigan Avenue Elementary student teaching experience. She is a music education (K-12th) major and plans to substitute teach and fill interim positions in music classrooms until finding a full-time position. 

The Bilbo Excellence in Student Teaching Award was established in the spring of 1996 and recognizes excellence in student teaching. Winners are nominated by their cooperating teachers and principals to receive this honor.