Department of Teacher Education and Leadership

So proud of the impact our faculty make on the community!! Go Ms. Cunningham!!!

Big congratulations to our special education student intern, Sophie Theobald, on receiving the Teacher’s Choice Award! 🍎✨

This award, presented by Mr. Charlie Plunkett of Modern Woodmen Financial, provides funding to help a future educator purchase supplies for their very first classroom. We are so proud to see Sophie recognized for her hard work, passion, and dedication to students.

The future is bright for this future teacher! ❤️📚

🎉 It’s our FINAL Faculty Friday spotlight of the school year! 🎉
This week we are celebrating Dr. Brecken Chesser, an instructor in Special Education who is helping prepare future educators to make a difference in the lives of all learners. 🍎✨
Thank you, Dr. Chesser, for your dedication to our students, your passion for teaching, and the impact you make every day in and out of the classroom. 💚
Help us close out Faculty Friday for the year by showing Dr. Chesser some love in the comments! 👏

Ending the school year with great food, laughter, and even better company 🌍❤️

This weekend, our SPED faculty, doctoral students, and their families came together for an end-of-the-year celebration filled with fun memories and an incredible international potluck. Everyone brought a dish that represented their culture, making the day a beautiful celebration of community, connection, and diversity.

We’re so thankful for the friendships, support, and shared experiences that made this year so special. Here’s to another amazing year in SPED! ✨

🎉 Faculty Friday Spotlight 🎉

This week, we are excited to highlight Dr. Stephanie Lemley, one of our dedicated faculty members and the Undergraduate Coordinator for Elementary Education! 🍎📚

Dr. Lemley is passionate about preparing future educators to make a difference in classrooms and communities. Through her leadership, guidance, and commitment to student success, she helps shape the next generation of teachers every day.

Thank you, Dr. Lemley, for the impact you make on our students and the Department! ❤️🖤

🇩🇪✈️ Our final Bulldog Explorer Box of the year has arrived, and we’re traveling to Germany this month!

Stop by the Starkville Library to pick up your Germany-themed box filled with fun activities, learning opportunities, and cultural exploration. 📚🌍

Don’t miss your chance to grab the last Explorer Box of the season while supplies last!

Celebrating a big accomplishment 👏

We’re proud to share that Parmida was nominated for Graduate Research Assistant of the Year! While she did not take home the award, this nomination, especially in her first year of her doctoral program, is an incredible achievement and speaks volumes about her hard work and dedication.

We’re so proud of you, Parmida! 💫

Proud of our department for creating meaningful opportunities like this! Building connections between students and campus police makes a difference. 💙

Collaboration is at the heart of great teaching 🤝🍎
As pre-service teachers, learning to work together is essential for meeting the diverse needs of students. Collaboration with colleagues is also Indicator #8 on the MSU Dispositions for teacher education.
In Dr. Wilson’s Intro to Elementary Education class, students put that idea into action by working in teams to build a “strong structure” using only marshmallows and toothpicks 🍡 This hands-on challenge highlighted communication, cooperation, and teamwork, key skills for success in the classroom.
Because strong teachers are built through strong collaboration 💡✨