Spillane Middle School Teacher Amanda Ocansey Named SFA Outstanding Cooperating Teacher in Cy-Fair ISD
Amanda Ocansey, a sixth-grade language arts teacher at Spillane Middle School, has been honored with the Fall 2024 Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) Outstanding Cooperating Teacher award. The recognition comes after Ocansey mentored Samantha Newton, a student teacher from Cy-Fair ISD (CFISD), throughout the semester. Newton nominated Ocansey for the award, and out of roughly 160 cooperating teachers working with SFA student teachers across the state, Ocansey was selected as the top mentor.
“Being chosen for this award was a wonderful surprise,” Ocansey said. “It’s been an amazing experience helping guide Ms. Newton, especially as she’s shown so much promise as a future educator.”
On December 4, Ocansey was surprised with the award during a ceremony led by representatives from Spillane and the CFISD human resources department. Spillane Principal Jamie Brotemarkle expressed pride in Ocansey’s achievement, noting her commitment to excellence and the effort she put into mentoring Newton.
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“Amanda has gone above and beyond as a mentor, staying long hours and meticulously planning lessons,” Brotemarkle said. “She has embraced her role wholeheartedly, and her partnership with Ms. Newton has been inspiring. This award highlights Amanda’s dedication to shaping the next generation of teachers.”
The SFA Outstanding Cooperating Teacher award recognizes educators who provide exceptional supervision, guidance, and feedback to their student teachers. Teachers who are nominated for the award are expected to go beyond the standard requirements of mentorship, offering support and innovation that fosters professional growth.
CFISD’s Laura Nichols, who coordinates student teacher placements, emphasized the importance of teachers like Ocansey in developing future educators. She explained that many student teachers, after being mentored by experienced educators like Ocansey, often transition into full-time teaching roles within the district.
Pictured from left, Laura Nichols, CFISD student teacher and resident teacher coordinator; Amanda Ocansey, “This award is meaningful because it highlights the efforts of teachers who go above and beyond to prepare student teachers for success,” Nichols said. “Ms. Ocansey’s work with Ms. Newton will have a lasting impact, not just on her classroom but on the many students Ms. Newton will teach throughout her career.”
As Newton prepares for her upcoming role at Campbell Middle School, Ocansey’s mentorship continues to have a lasting impact. This recognition highlights the broader effort within Cypress-Fairbanks ISD to support the development of future educators, contributing to a pipeline of skilled teachers who will benefit students for years to come.
By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
