Department of Teaching
Learning and Educational Studies
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5276 USA
(269) 387-3465
Resident Teacher Highlights
Resident Celebrations SY 23-24
![Image](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/medium/public/images/u6530/2024/Shelly%20Solis.jpg?itok=ZM7DnsM8)
Shelly's commitment to crafting detailed lesson plans, her proactive approach, and effective classroom management skills quickly garnered recognition from her principal and colleagues. This acknowledgment paved the way for Shelly to step into a long-term substitute position for kindergarten at Indian Prairie when it became available in January. Eager and prepared, Shelly enthusiastically accepted the opportunity.
In her new role, Shelly will receive support from her WMU (Western Michigan University) instructors, KPS (Kalamazoo Public Schools) mentor, and the new teacher coach throughout the remainder of the school year. This collaborative network will undoubtedly contribute to Shelly's success as she continues to make a positive impact in the classroom.
![Image](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/medium/public/images/u6530/2024/IMG_5053%202.jpeg?itok=UvY9RhNo)
CB: I am currently a Kindergarten Teacher at Mattawan Early Elementary and this is my 11th year teaching Kindergarten.
CB: This year I am most proud to watch the amount of growth that my students have made social-emotionally. They are becoming wonderful self-directed learners with a caring nature towards our classroom community members.
CB: THE STUDENTS!! Just like parenting, it's said that the days are slow but the years fly by and I couldn't agree more. Sometimes there are rough days where you're just "making it" through but then the days of learning, growth and gratitude far out way those others which makes teaching a passionate profession.
CB: In 5 years, I hope to continue to foster a love for learning in many students. My hope is to have more interns so that I can share with them the passion that I have for this profession!
![Image](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/medium/public/images/u6530/2024/UTRP.png?itok=Q0-XV2cA)
KF: As an intern in a 2nd-grade classroom pursuing my Masters in Education, my current position is that of a student teacher! I’ve been actively involved in Education the past three years. I started as a 1-1 Paraprofessional for a Special Education student in 2021. As soon as I began my journey as a Paraprofessional, I knew Education was where I was meant to be. It’s slightly ironic, as I first began my undergraduate career at WMU as an Education major. I ended up switching course, and pursing a Bachelors in Global and International Studies with a focus in Cultural Anthropology. It’s funny how the universe always has a way of bringing us back to where we are meant to be.
KH: I am a 2nd grade teacher at Mattawan Early Elementary School. This is my 11th year teaching. I have taught children Pk (Head Start) through 2nd grade.
![Image](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/medium/public/images/u6530/2024/Natalie%20and%20Marilaine_1.jpg?itok=W2K1v7V7)
In the news
![Carolyn Coulter](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/3_2/public/images/u6530/2023/Image-MEDIUM-5945796_1.jpg?h=8b397450&itok=jpS5J4BX)
Not just fair food: Teacher launches funnel cake business
Resident Teacher Awards
![Aneisha Carlisle](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/medium/public/images/u1635/2022/xacarlisle_0.jpg%2Cqitok%3DZpOooAsl%2Catimestamp%3D1642191404.pagespeed.ic_.Ur1opn1Ovh_0.jpg?itok=b-BCgIG4)
The Urban Teacher Residency program at Western Michigan University in partnership with Kalamazoo Public Schools presents the Resident Teacher of December Award to Aneisha Carlisle. Ms. Carlisle is being recognized for her compassion towards students, high quality lessons and consistency in delivering effective instruction. Under the leadership of Mrs. Glenda Forbes, Ms. Carlisle is learning the best of both worlds serving as a K-3 Resource Special Educator and accessing the general education classroom at Parkwood Upjohn Elementary. Her work includes data analysis, small group instruction and whole group leadership. Congratulations Ms. Carlisle on all of your success!
Why education?
“ As a teacher you play an important role in helping shape students and their future and I want to be a part of that.”
Favorite quote:
"Everyone who remembers his own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the heart of the educational system."
– Sidney Hook
When times get rough, I continue to do this work because...
“What motivates me to keep going are the students. I want to be the teacher who students can see as safe and supportive.”
![Koretta King-Jackson](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/medium/public/images/u1635/2022/kking-jackson_0.jpg?itok=pIty4jsD)
Mrs. King-Jackson teaches Kindergarten at Discovery Enrichment Center in BHAS. She has been a consistent force in the life of the school, as well as a top performer in the Urban Teacher Residency Program. We are proud to recognize her for all of her efforts!
Why education?
"I teach because my heart is overjoyed with love when I see the elevation of students’ minds.”
Favorite quote:
“A key to growing as an educator is to keep company mainly with teachers who uplift you, whose presence inspires you and whose dedication drives you.”
- Robert John Meehan
When times get rough, I continue to do this work because...
“When times get tough I am motivated by focusing on what I have/doing and not what I lack or can’t do, and try to maintain a positive attitude through change or whatever happens within my classroom or the district.”
![Elita Jones](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/medium/public/images/u1635/2022/Monique.jpg?itok=WJ_GfpSE)
Milwood Elementary School, K-5 Self-Contained Autism
March Resident Teacher of the Month
Why education?
“I teach because I believe every student has the potential to succeed. I want to help my students discover their own talents and believe in themselves.”
Favorite quote:
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” - Benjamin Franklin
When times get rough, I continue to do this work because...
“My students' smiles, laughter, and the look of wonder during a science experiment. I love when they make a connection or the twinkle in their eyes when they accomplish a task. These moments motivate me to keep teaching."
![Rebecca MacCart](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/medium/public/images/u1635/2022/rmaccart_0.jpg?itok=YjkeT8gT)
Ms. MacCart serves multiple grade levels at Discovery Enrichment Center & MLK, Jr. Elementary Schools in BHAS. Ms. MacCart is being recognized for her tireless efforts to craft and deliver high quality, engaging lessons that move students forward academically. Patience, creativity and high standards are hallmarks of Ms. MacCart’s instruction. We are proud to recognize her contributions!
Why education?
“I teach because I am energized by working with my students and seeing them learn and grow every day.”
Favorite quote:
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education”
When times get rough, I continue to do this work because...
“I am motivated by being around my students and seeing their growth and progress, watching them learn and flourish."
![jennifer wright](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/medium/public/images/u1635/2022/jwright_0.jpg?itok=-9vZ7bQm)
Western Michigan University in partnership with Kalamazoo Public Schools presents the Resident Teacher of December Award to Ms. Jennifer Wright for her fierce dedication to the students and families of Arcadia Elementary. Ms. Wright serves as a Resident Kindergarten teacher and is being recognized for her creativity in lesson execution and commitment to her graduate studies.
Why education?
"I want students to make connections and grow in their knowledge and understanding of the world around us.”
Favorite quote:
"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”
When times get rough, I continue to do this work because...
“Sometimes it is just taking a moment and looking into your student's eyes and seeing all the goodness that is inside of them. It also means the world to me when a former student sends me an e-mail, or stops me in the hallway to chat or give a hug. When a child is happy to see you, that is an incredibly powerful motivator.”
Amazing Mentor Awards
![Heidi Ali](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/medium/public/images/u1635/2022/Ali%20Pic.png?itok=FF_fU9za)
Milwood Elementary, K-5 Self Contained Autism
Heidi Ali is an Amazing Mentor for March 2022 and is being recognized by the staff of the Urban Teacher Residency program at WMU for her ingenuity and excellence in the classroom. Heidi displays creativity and data-based instruction as she leads her Resident Teacher, Elita Jones, through the residency year experience. Heidi shares her inspiration with us:
Why education?
“I teach because I love helping kids reach their goals. I have the opportunity to watch my students grow and progress daily and it is amazing that I get to be a part of that journey.”
Favorite quote:
“If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn."
When times get rough, I continue to do this work because...
“When times get tough, I am motivated by my students to keep doing this work. My students work through challenges every day and they never give up. Watching them persevere gives me the motivation to push through the tough times."
![Glenda Forbes](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/styles/medium/public/images/u1635/2022/IMG_8630.jpg?itok=U-cUDUlQ)
Parkwood-Upjohn Elementary
Special Education Resource, K-3
Glenda Forbes is being honored with the Amazing Mentor Award for March 2022 by the staff of the Urban Teacher Residency Program at WMU. Glenda is being recognized for her professionalism and commitment to the development of her Resident Teacher, Aneisha Carlisle. Glenda is always responsive and eager to support Aneisha with lesson plans, scheduling, and teaching tasks. Glenda shares her insight into why she does this work:
Why education?
“I teach because it is my calling. From an early age I knew I wanted to be a teacher. I remember during the summer break playing school with the neighborhood children. I was always the teacher. I teach because it brings me pure joy when students have “aha” moments and finally grasp a concept or skill. When that light bulb goes off and a big smile comes across their faces, it is then that I know I am making a difference in that child’s life. I teach because it allows me to grow and learn with my students and become a better person, a better teacher.”
How long have you been in the field?
“I have been in the field of education for 26 exciting years."
When times get rough, I continue to do this work because...
“When times get tough, what keeps me coming back is the commitment I made to my students when I first started teaching. To always love them first and make sure they receive the best of me daily."
Why do you serve as a mentor?
“I serve as a source of knowledge to help facilitate and guide future teachers. To provide learning opportunities in a hands-on environment, where mentees learn by doing is one way that I go about this role. It is rewarding for me to mentor aspiring teachers who take what I have given them and go on to be phenomenal educators, enriching the lives of their students. Being a mentor also allows me the unique opportunity to continue as a lifelong learner. My mentees often have fresh ideas and ways of doing things that were not practiced when I was in my teaching program. Education is always changing and having that insight is beneficial. I am afforded with the blessing of imparting knowledge as well as gaining knowledge."