Two Tarleton student teachers receive Robert H. Elliott Memorial Award

STEPHENVILLE (May 2, 2016) — Two Tarleton State University College of Education student teachers—Kelsey Cobb and Jennifer Hayes—are recipients of the Robert H. Elliott Memorial Award, presented April 27 during the Tarleton Department of Curriculum and Instruction’s annual Reflections ceremony.

Named for Robert H. Elliott, who joined Tarleton in 1981 as a professor in the Department of Education and Psychology and supervised the student teacher program at the time of his death in 1990, the award recognizes students who exemplify outstanding classroom qualities.

Cobb, from Emory, Texas, is an interdisciplinary studies major certifying in Early Childhood-Sixth Grade with an English as Second Language (ESL) certification. She completed her clinical teaching at elementary and intermediate schools in Glen Rose.

Cobb’s mentor teachers supported her nomination for the Elliott Award, applauding her lesson plans, teaching abilities, classroom management skills, ability to work with students and parents, and her willingness to plan and attend evening meetings and school events. A lesson plan video accompanied her application.

Hayes, from Sachse, Texas, is also an interdisciplinary studies major certifying in Early Childhood-Sixth Grade with an ESL certification. She completed her clinical teaching in Stephenville at Hook and Chamberlin elementary schools. Hayes’ mentor teachers and university supervisor supported her nomination for the award.

Hayes’ selection was based on a lesson plan that she submitted with her application as well as praise received from mentor teachers and supervisors. Letters of support mention her ability to recognize individual strengths and weaknesses of students and to teach the skills and information each one needs. Mentor teachers also noted that her lessons are informative and fun, and keep the students engaged, integrating small-group interactions, technology and independent activities.

Friends and colleagues of Dr. Elliott developed the award that bears his name to honor his enthusiasm for education and devotion to students. The veteran educator and administrator served public schools in Colorado for many years before joining the faculty at Tarleton.