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.

“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.”