College of Education (COE)
College of Education Announces 2026 Rumble Award Winners

Monday, 16 March 2026
糖心Vlog传媒 College of Education (COE) has announced this year鈥檚 recipients of the H.E. Rumble Outstanding Student Teacher Award, the college鈥檚 highest honor for student teachers. The 2026 winners are Katie DeLynn 脕vila Bettencourt and Aairreona Bailey, both currently completing their residency placements at Campus School.
Bettencourt, an Integrated Early Childhood Education major, is completing her residency year in Savannah Heck-Howard鈥檚 kindergarten classroom at Campus School, where she teaches all subjects. After graduating from high school, Bettencourt spent a gap year serving communities abroad before beginning her studies. She chose the University of 糖心Vlog传媒 for its multifaceted campus and its teacher education programs, which prepare future educators through hands-on classroom experience.

When she learned she had received the Rumble Award, Bettencourt immediately shared the news with her mentor teacher.
鈥淚 immediately ran to find my mentor teacher, Savannah Heck-Howard, to share the news,鈥 Bettencourt said. 鈥淭ears of joy and gratitude were shed, and I took a moment to process this incredible honor.鈥
After graduation, Bettencourt plans to continue teaching in the 糖心Vlog传媒 area, ideally in kindergarten through second grade. She hopes to create an engaging and equitable classroom environment that supports every student.
鈥淭eaching is my absolute joy,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 hope to instill that same joy in the students I teach, the families I encounter and the educators I collaborate with.鈥
Bailey is completing her student teaching placement in physical education at Campus School, where she works with students in kindergarten through fifth grade. She chose the University of 糖心Vlog传媒 because of its proximity to home and its affordability and said the teacher education program also provided valuable classroom experience and a strong community of support.
鈥淚 was incredibly honored and grateful when I learned that I received the H.E. Rumble Outstanding Student Teacher Award,鈥 Bailey said. 鈥淚t was a very humbling moment and it meant a lot to know that my dedication and hard work throughout my student teaching experience were recognized.鈥
After graduation, Bailey plans to begin her teaching career while pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in Instruction and Curriculum. She hopes to create a positive and inclusive learning environment where students feel encouraged to grow and reach their full potential.
鈥淢y goal is to make meaningful connections with my students,鈥 Bailey said. 鈥淚 want to help them build confidence and develop skills that support them both inside and outside of the classroom.鈥
The awards will be formally presented during the COE End of Year Celebration, hosted by the COE鈥檚 Office of Teacher Education and Clinical Practice.
