MSU's College of Education recognizes outstanding teacher interns

Contact: Bethany Shipp

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State's College of Education is honoring 15 recent graduates for their exceptional work as teacher interns in Mississippi school districts.

The recipients of the Outstanding Teacher Intern Award were nominated for exceeding expectations while completing internships at public schools across the Magnolia State. The honorees demonstrated exemplary professionalism, performance and a high level of commitment to the teaching profession.

"Throughout their final semester, these interns consistently went above and beyond all expectations, demonstrating both exceptional instructional skill and a deep commitment to student success," said Donna Shea, director of MSU's Office of Clinical/Field-Based Instruction, Licensure, and Outreach. "We have no doubt that they will step into their own classrooms and become a profound, positive force in the world of education. We are incredibly proud to have them represent the College of Education."

Spring 2026 Outstanding Teacher Interns include:

—Carley Bell, a spring 2026 secondary education graduate from New Albany, taught in the Webster County School District.

—Avrie Boles, a spring 2026 elementary education graduate from Meridian, taught in the Lauderdale County School District.

—Rachel Cunningham, a spring 2026 elementary education graduate from Brownsville, Tennessee, taught in the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District.

—Alethia Dobson, a spring 2026 elementary education graduate from Ocean Springs, taught in the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District.

—Lauren Hall, a spring 2026 elementary education graduate from Franklin, Tennessee, taught in the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District.

—Abbygail Ipock, a spring 2026 elementary education graduate from Collierville, Tennessee, taught in the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District.

—Charleigh Kakales, a spring 2026 elementary education graduate from Bruce, taught in the Calhoun County School District.

—Natalie Lampton, a spring 2026 elementary education graduate from Decatur, taught in the Newton County School District.

—Abigail Maddox, a spring 2026 secondary education graduate from Bruce, taught in the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District.

—Rebecca Melton, a spring 2026 elementary education graduate from Forest, taught in the Forest Municipal School District.

—Kate Myrick, a spring 2026 elementary education graduate from Hurley, taught in the George County School District.

—Victoria Pigg, a spring 2026 elementary education graduate from Carthage, taught in the Leake County School District.

—Ashley Reynolds, a spring 2026 elementary education graduate from Stringer, taught in the Jones County School District.

—Loren Schmidli, a spring 2026 special education graduate from Columbus, taught in the Lowndes County School District.

—Sophie Theobald, a spring 2026 special education graduate from Union City, Tennessee, taught in the Webster County School District.

MSU's College of Education is home to five academic departments, a division of education, one research unit and numerous service units. Learn more at www.educ.msstate.edu.

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