Five of UMW’s finest emerging educators – Katie Menjivar Castro, Trinatee Huff, Ezra Lee, John Mabry III, and Kendyl Miller – experienced the annual Teachers of Promise Institute in Midlothian, VA on March 7-8, 2025.
The Teachers of Promise Foundation “discovers, celebrates, motivates, and equips the best future teachers in America… the Foundation brings together excellent prospective educators and expert practitioners to celebrate the decision to teach, to elevate the teaching profession to the status it deserves, and to activate a network of impact in classrooms and schools.” This mission came to life during The Teachers of Promise Institute.
COE Students Attend TOP Institute in Richmond, VA (From L-R) Ezra Lee, Trinatee Huff, Kendyl Miller, Katie Menjivar Castro, John Mabry III pose with COE Sponsor, Associate Director of Assessment and Clinical Experiences Laura Goll and TOP Executive Director Wade Whitehead.
UMW Teachers of Promise (TOPs) were warmly welcomed into the fellowship of passionate and highly effective teachers by award-winning educators. During a gala on Friday night, TOPs were honored with motivating and content-rich speeches, a personal letter from a student thanking them for becoming teachers, and a pin recognizing their current achievements as well as their potential future impact. On Saturday, students got into the work of lifelong learning through professional development, mentorship groups, and opportunities to add their voice to the collegial network of educators.
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- Friday Night Celebration featuring John Mabry III and Katie Menjivar Castro as they chat with TOP attendees.
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- COE Student, Trinatee Huff receives her TOP educator pin from a mentor.
Each Teacher of Promise expressed excitement for this opportunity as well as their gratitude to those who made this life-changing experience possible.*
*Support for the TOP students was provided through funding from the Donald W./Barbara Sheehan ’35 Endowment and from UMW Foundation Board of Trustees Member Donna Sheehan Gladis ’68 and Steve Gladis.
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