Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education recently named Cali Casanova the recipient of the Fall 2022 Dr. 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.

Casanova, an interdisciplinary studies (K-5) major from Rutledge, Tennessee, student taught at Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary and North Lee Elementary.

Two other Lee University students, Carly Buckner and Abigayle Fec, spoke about their student teaching experiences at a ceremony honoring all of the fall student teachers earlier this month. 

Buckner is a special education major from Cleveland, Tennessee. She student taught at Lake Forest Middle and Candy’s Creek Cherokee Elementary. 

Fec is a music education major from Erie, Pennsylvania. She shared about her time student teaching at Ooltewah High School and Prospect Elementary School.

“These individuals truly represent the excellence that the Helen DeVos College of Education seeks to instill in all our teacher candidates,” said Dr. Shane Brown, Lee’s director of teacher education and assistant professor of education. “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.”

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.