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Pictured from left, Laura Nichols, CFISD student teacher and resident teacher coordinator; Amanda Ocansey, Spillane Middle School sixth grade language arts teacher; Samantha Newton, Spillane student teacher; Jamie Brotemarkle, Spillane principal; and Michelle Martin, human resources assistant director, pose for a photo after surprising Ocansey as the Fall 2024 SFA Outstanding Cooperating Teacher on Dec. 4.

Pictured from left, Laura Nichols, CFISD student teacher and resident teacher coordinator; Amanda Ocansey, Spillane Middle School sixth grade language arts teacher; Samantha Newton, Spillane student teacher; Jamie Brotemarkle, Spillane principal; and Michelle Martin, human resources assistant director, pose for a photo after surprising Ocansey as the Fall 2024 SFA Outstanding Cooperating Teacher on Dec. 4.

Dec. 10, 2024—Spillane Middle School sixth grade language arts teacher Amanda Ocansey was named the Fall 2024 Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) Outstanding Cooperating Teacher for her work with Samantha Newton, a CFISD student teacher.  

Newton nominated Ocansey for the award and out of approximately 160 cooperating teachers that are currently working with SFA student teachers across the state, Ocansey was chosen as the best for the fall semester.

“Being chosen for the Outstanding Cooperating Teacher award for the fall was a wonderful surprise,” Ocansey said. “This is my first year having a student teacher and it has been a marvelous experience to help usher in a future educator, especially one as promising as Ms. Newton.”

Representatives from Spillane and the CFISD human resources department surprised Ocansey with the news on Dec. 4.

Representatives from Spillane Middle School and the CFISD human resources department surprised Amanda Ocansey with the Fall 2024 SFA Outstanding Cooperating Teacher award during one of her afternoon classes on Dec. 4. Ocansey was selected from approximately 160 cooperating teachers currently working with SFA student teachers across the state.

Representatives from Spillane Middle School and the CFISD human resources department surprised Amanda Ocansey with the Fall 2024 SFA Outstanding Cooperating Teacher award during one of her afternoon classes on Dec. 4. Ocansey was selected from approximately 160 cooperating teachers currently working with SFA student teachers across the state.

“It is an incredible honor for Ms. Ocansey to receive this award from Stephen F. Austin State University,” said Jamie Brotemarkle, Spillane principal. “This recognition speaks volumes about Amanda’s extraordinary dedication, her unwavering commitment to excellence and her genuine passion for mentoring the next generation of educators. Amanda’s conscientious efforts and her partnership with Ms. Newton have been inspiring. From staying long hours to meticulously planning lessons, Amanda has truly embraced the role of a mentor. We are thrilled to see this amazing duo flourish and we are equally excited for Ms. Newton as she takes the next step in her teaching career with CFISD at Campbell Middle School in the spring. This achievement exemplifies the very best of what Spillane represents – learning today, leading tomorrow.”

To be considered for the award, cooperating teachers must have exemplary supervision of the student teachers they’re working with, go above and beyond the typical expectations to help support the student teacher’s growth as an educator, implement innovation and supervisory techniques and provide excellent feedback.

“This award is extremely meaningful to us as a district because student teachers get to see the district and learn the CFISD way from someone who is an expert in their field and a large portion of those students go on to work in our district full-time,” said Laura Nichols, CFISD student teacher and resident teacher coordinator. “Supporting our student teachers is a district-wide effort that results in highly qualified teacher candidates that benefit our students for years to come. Ms. Ocansey represents the best of that effort – she has worked above and beyond her job responsibilities to prepare her student teacher for success. Her work with Ms. Newton this year will not only benefit her classroom and the students in it but will benefit countless other students who come into Ms. Newton’s classroom throughout her career. We are so proud of her and the other cooperating teachers who host our student teachers every year.”

Oct. 1, 2024—A recent report from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) revealed that Cypress-Fairbanks ISD has one of the lowest percentages of uncertified teachers among the state’s largest districts.

Only 5.6% of CFISD’s teachers are without certification, compared to the statewide average of 34.5%. Approximately 31% of teachers in traditional public school districts lack certification, a contrast to 59.6% uncertified charter school teachers.

an elementary teacher in a classroom with a small group of students at a semicircle table

Lee Elementary School teacher Jonathan Fisher leads small group instruction in his fourth grade reading and language arts class.

CFISD’s human resources team has implemented numerous efforts to recruit certified teachers, including:

·       recruiting at most Texas university programs that prepare and graduate certified teachers

·       implementing paid-teacher residencies for students pursuing certification in critical need areas

·       conducting in-person and virtual experienced teacher interview events to attract certified educators from Texas and across the nation.

·       hosting targeted events for certified teachers in critical need areas, including bilingual and special education

·       providing internship opportunities for 100-150 student teachers completing certification requirements

·       promoting employment opportunities at district, region and statewide events

·       leveraging district’s Teaching and Training program for high school students to grow our own graduates into certified educators

·       utilizing the district’s social media presence to promote employment opportunities for certified educators.

 

The HR team has also increased efforts to support uncertified teachers, including:

·       providing certification candidates with access to test preparation programs to gain educator certification

·       partnering with university program to support paraprofessionals seeking educator certification

·       collaborating with certification program to coach and guide certification candidates through certification process.

 

View the TEA’s Newly Certified and New Teacher Hires Dashboard online.