Wichita State University
Wichita State School of Education Celebrates Inaugural Mentor Teacher Award Winners
In a special ceremony held on Monday, April 15, prior to the Kansas Teacher of the Year keynote presentation at the Metroplex, the Wichita State School of Education proudly recognized the first recipients of the Mentor Teacher awards. These awards honor outstanding educators who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in mentoring teacher candidates and interns.
The winners of the 2024 Mentor Teacher Awards are:
- Stacy Chestnut (ELA) from East High
- Lara Engle (ELA) from North High
- Kelli Ines (Mathematics) from Coleman Middle
- Katie Western (Science) from Marshall Middle
- Allison Parnacott (History) from Hamilton Middle
- Gianna Grant (3rd Grade) from Isely Elementary
- Rachel Wetzel (4th Grade) from Gammon Elementary
- Jillian Smith (5th Grade) from Isely Elementary
- Heather Jayne (Early Childhood) from Little Early Childhood
Left to right: Allison Parnacott, Kelli Ines, Lara Engle, Stacy Chestnut, Gianna Grant,
Jillian Smith, Rachel Wetzel, Heather Jayne, Katie WesternThese distinguished educators have exhibited extraordinary commitment to fostering the next generation of teachers
through mentorship and professional leadership.
The faculty from various educational areas—middle/secondary, elementary, and early childhood—participated in the selection process by voting on nominees who exemplified the highest standards of mentorship and pedagogical excellence.
The award criteria emphasized several key qualifications:
- Intern, Teacher Candidate, and University Supervisor Recommendations: Acknowledgment from those directly impacted by the mentor's guidance.
- Modeling Pedagogical Content Knowledge: Demonstrating expert-level teaching strategies and subject-specific knowledge.
- Instructional Co-Planning and Co-Teaching: Collaborating effectively to apply research-based best practices.
- Providing Exceptional Feedback: Offering constructive feedback to support growth and development.
- Engagement in Professional Activities: Contributing to activities that enhance teacher preparation and development.
- Leadership in the Teaching Profession: Actively participating in professional organizations and advancing the teaching profession.
Each awardee received a trophy and a $250 prize from the School of Education, recognizing their significant contributions to the educational community. Moving forward, the Mentor Teacher awards will be an annual tradition, continuing to highlight the invaluable role of mentorship in shaping the future of education.
The Wichita State School of Education congratulates and thanks these exceptional educators for their dedication and positive impact on teacher development and student learning.