Article
February 6, 2026
Celebrating UNC’s Outstanding Partner Schools
A shoutout to a continued partnership in educational excellence
Jingzi Huang, Ph.D., associate dean and director of Educator Preparation, and Cheryl Sparks, field placement officer and assessment data manager for Educator Preparation in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, recently visited local schools to present Partner School Awards for the 2024–25 academic year.
UNC’s Teacher Preparation Program proudly collaborates with hundreds of partner schools that support candidates from their first practicum experiences through student teaching. This year’s award recipients were selected for their exceptional dedication to mentoring future educators and supporting high-quality field placements.
Partner School Award – Elementary
- Meeker Elementary (Principal Alison Ferguson)
- Shepardson Elementary (Principal Laura Sutton)
Partner School Award – Secondary
- University Schools – High (Principal Jeff Casey)
- University Schools – Middle (Principal Kyle Schuyler)
- Platte Valley Middle School (Principal Michael Green)
The Teacher Preparation Program is deeply grateful for these partnerships and their continued commitment to advancing educator preparation and excellence in education.
