News Releases 2010
LETU Student Named 2009-2010 Texas Intern of the Year
Wed, Feb 24 2010
LeTourneau University student Nikita Mumphrey has been recognized as the 2009-2010 Intern of the Year in the Early Childhood through 4th Grade (EC-4) category by the Texas Alternative Certification Association (TACA).Mumphrey is currently a 4th grade teacher completing her internship at McClure Magnet School of International Students, part of the Longview Independent School District, in Longview, Texas. She is completing her Texas Teacher Certification through LETU’s School of Graduate and Professional Studies PACT (Post-baccalaureate Accelerated Certification for Teachers) Program.
The TACA, a subgroup of Consortium of State Organizations for Texas Teacher Education (CSOTTE), recognizes one exemplary educator in each of the following categories: EC-4/EC-6, 4-8, 8-12 and EC-12. First-year teachers from across the state are eligible to be nominated.
Mumphrey will be presented a plaque and monetary award at the Fall CSOTTE conference, which will be held October 10-12 at the Westin Galleria Hotel in Houston.
The extensive Intern of the Year nomination process is based on the intern’s classroom performance, contributions and participation on school or district committees, evidence of cooperative working relationships with parents, peers and community, unique contributions to the school and evidence of leadership responsibilities. Nomination requirements included letters of recommendation from the intern’s principal, mentor and ACP Director, an essay written by the intern nominee and a 10-minute video of the intern teaching in his or her classroom. A TACA selection committee determined the award winners Feb. 22-23 at the TACA Winter Retreat in Houston.
Dr. Wayne Jacobs, dean of the School of Education for LeTourneau University, indicated that the university has a long history of quality students in their school. “We are proud of Nikita and her accomplishments in her first year of teaching. She is an example of the kind of students we are blessed to have in our program. Our teachers are some of the best in the state, and we are excited to have one of our ‘shining stars’ recognized in this way.”
Mumphrey is the second LeTourneau student to receive this honor. Houston PACT student Laurie Taylor, an elementary music teacher for the Pearland Independent School District in Pearland, Texas, was recognized as the statewide EC-4 winner for the 2005-2006 school year. LeTourneau was also recognized for the Texas Student Teacher of the Year in 2002 (Breanna Sellers-Hurd) and 1998 (Karen Bennett).
LeTourneau University prepares more teachers every year than any other private higher education institution in the state of Texas, according to data taken from reports prepared by the State Board of Education.
LeTourneau has also ranked number one in the state for teacher certifications for the past five consecutive years, graduating an average of nearly 350 teachers every year. The School of Education accounts for approximately 16 percent of the total yearly state certifications.
LETU’s School of Education offers many ways for students to accomplish this through degree programs in kinesiology, psychology and teacher education. LETU also offers the PACT program and a TEACH program, both specifically designed for adult learners.
