Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education (HDCOE) recently announced Robbi Guthrie and Shelby Rolan winners of the 2025 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, Field Experiences, and Certification. “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.” 
 
Guthrie, a special education K-12 major from Pulaski, Tennessee, completed her student teaching at Walker Valley High School (WVHS) and Cleveland Middle. She plans to teach high school special education in Williamson County and begin law school in August 2026. 
 
Rolan, a grades 6-12 English language arts (ELA) major from Sevierville, Tennessee, completed her student teaching at Cleveland Middle and Pigeon Forge High School (PFHS). She will begin teaching high school ELA at PFHS in January. 
 
Kate Faulk and Hannah Winters Conner shared reflections on their student teaching experiences at a ceremony honoring all the fall student teachers.   
 
Faulk, a psychology grades 9-12 major from Adairsville, Georgia, plans to teach high school psychology in the area upon graduation. She did her student teaching at WVHS and East Hamilton High.  
 
Conner, a K-5 major from Ocoee, Tennessee, is completing an interim position teaching 4th 
 grade at Hopewell Elementary and did her student teaching at Taylor Elementary and Hopewell Elementary.  
 
The Bilbo Excellence in Student Teaching Award was established in the spring 1996 and recognizes excellence in student teaching. Winners are nominated by their cooperating teachers and principals to receive this honor.