Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education (HDCOE) recently announced Chrissy Hocutt, Sarah Beth Savell, and Chelsea Grace Speranza as the winners of the 2026 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.
 
“This award recognizes not only excellence in teaching, but a commitment to making a lasting difference in the lives of students—an impact that will extend far beyond the classroom,” said Dr. Shane Brown, director of Lee’s Teacher Education Program, Field Experiences, and Certification.
 
Hocutt, a K-5 elementary education major from Birmingham, Alabama, completed her student teaching at Valley View Elementary and E.K. Baker Elementary. She plans to pursue a K-5 teaching position in Cleveland, Tennessee, or Birmingham.
 
Savell is from Maryville, Tennessee, and majors in 6-12 history education. She completed her student teaching at Lake Forest Middle School and Cleveland High School. She plans to work at Knoxville’s Whistle Springs Middle School in the fall as an 8th grade social studies and science teacher.
 
Speranza, from Burnt Hills, New York, completed her student teaching at Lake Forest Middle School and Cleveland High School. She is a 6-12 math education major. This fall, she will begin teaching math and coaching girls’ soccer at Lake Forest Middle School.
 
“These teacher candidates exemplify what it means to lead, inspire, and serve—setting a standard of excellence that will shape classrooms and communities for years to come,” said Brown.

Emilee Perry, Robert Pritchard III, and Haleigh Snyder shared reflections on their student teaching experiences at a ceremony honoring all the spring student teachers.  
 
Perry is a 6-12 math education major from Decatur, Tennessee, who completed her student teaching at Lake Forest Middle School and Cleveland High School. She will return home to teach at Meigs County High School in the fall.

Pritchard, a 6-12 English language arts (ELA) major from Cleveland, Tennessee, plans to teach 7th grade ELA at Lake Forest Middle School in the fall. He completed his student teaching at Lake Forest Middle School and Cleveland High School.
 
Snyder, from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, completed her student teaching at Waterville Community Elementary School and Cleveland Middle School. She is a K-12 special education (SPED) major and plans to return to Pennsylvania where she will pursue a SPED teaching position.

The Bilbo Excellence in Student Teaching Award was established in spring 1996. Winners are nominated by their cooperating teachers and principals for this honor.