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Posted on: 1/16/25
Vanessa Halling, center, stands between representatives from UNC Charlotte and Mallard Creek High Principal Jared Thompson, Ed.D.
Bailey Wilcox, center, stands between representatives from UNC Charlotte and Mallard Creek High Principal Jared Thompson, Ed.D.
Bailey Wilcox and Vanessa Halling, English teachers at Mallard Creek High School, were named Student Teacher of the Year and the Outstanding Clinical Educator for fall 2024, respectively.
Representatives from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Cato College of Education shared that this was a “unique opportunity” to recognize a student teacher and clinical educator who were both at the same school.
“The commonality between the two of them is just the light they bring,” said Kate Gilbert, university supervisor and lecturer. “They bring true radiance and joy every time I am in their space. There was just this love of learning again, and that’s so exceptional and so necessary in schools, and the kids feel so seen, heard and valued.”
Both Halling and Gilbert noted Wilcox’s ability to build relationships and create an inclusive classroom culture. Wilcox was also recognized for her professionalism, preparation and her ability to teach three different levels of students. Principal Jared Thompson, Ed.D., shared that Wilcox was recently hired as an English teacher. Her first day was this past Monday.
“Ms. Wilcox embodies the intellect, enthusiasm and student-centered mindset essential for today’s educators,” wrote Halling in her nomination.
Wilcox shared that Halling has “surpassed every expectation I had of what a clinical educator should be.” Wilcox also wrote in her nomination how supportive Halling has been as she learns what it means to be a teacher.
“There was never an awkward period of transition,” said Wilcox. “We work as a cohesive unit in planning to support our students’ learning. She is consistently communicative, kind and intentional in the feedback that she provides for me. She provides me with usable next steps for my development and resources, assignments and presentations that I can adapt for years to come.”
Both Wilcox and Halling, and the nominees that will be named for the spring, are in the running to be overall winners in their respective categories --- Wilcox through the North Carolina Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and Halling through UNC Charlotte.
