The Office of School and Community Partnerships provides support services to education candidates for clinical and internship experiences in local schools, districts, and agencies. By fostering collaborative relationships between the Cato College of Education, surrounding schools, public agencies, and the community, the Office of School and Community Partnerships seeks to enrich the experience of our pre-service educators and faculty. Our office works in collaboration with faculty, public and private agencies, and the community to coordinate long-term partnerships that enrich and enhance our program to ensure equity, excellence, and engagement.
Congratulations to the Fall 2022 Student Teacher of the Year!
Josie Peplinski
Josie Peplinski is a secondary social studies undergraduate candidate who student taught at Hopewell High School in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Through all of her letters of recommendation, it is clear Josie is a strong advocate for her students’ needs who seeks every opportunity to reflect and grow in her teaching practice to positively impact the lives of her students. A couple of examples of how Josie went above and beyond during her student teaching semester include developing structured class discussions to engage students, actively participating in her school's Professional Learning Community, working with faculty in the Department of Religious Studies to develop course curriculum, and serving as a Girl Scout troop leader. We are proud of Josie and are delighted to have her representing the Cato College of Education.
Congratulations to the 2021-2022 Outstanding Clinical Educator!
Kristina Dailey
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Exceptional Children Teacher at Mallard Creek High School
Kristina Dailey, an Exceptional Children’s Teacher at Mallard Creek High School, is the recipient of the very first Outstanding Clinical Educator Award from the Cato College of Education at UNC Charlotte. Ms. Dailey was nominated by her student teacher Rebeca Habtu and Faculty Site Coordinator, Dr. Ann Jolly. The Cato College of Education Outstanding Clinical Educator Award recognizes annually an outstanding clinical educator (mentor teacher) to a student teacher. Ms. Dailey was among 34 clinical educators nominated by a student teacher, clinical educator, and/or school administrator. As a recipient of the award, Ms. Dailey received an engraved plaque, a bag of UNC Charlotte swag, and her name will be engraved on a plaque that hangs in the Cato College of Education.