Student Teacher of the Year Recipients

Dr. Marylin Nicholas National Student Teacher of the Year

Each year, KDP and the Association of Teacher Educators select the Dr. Marylin Nicholas National Student Teacher of the Year to celebrate the exceptional contributions of a student teacher who demonstrates remarkable dedication, skill, and passion for the teaching profession. This prestigious recognition honors those who not only excel in classroom management and instructional strategies but also forge meaningful connections with students, parents, and colleagues. Through their commitment to fostering inclusive, engaging learning environments, these outstanding educators inspire others and set a high standard for the future of education. 

In March 2025, we renamed the award the Dr. Marilyn Nicholas National Student Teacher of the Year award.

Dr. Marilyn Nicholas is a Professor Emeritus of Instructional Leadership and Professional Development at Towson University in Maryland. As a champion of student teaching, she developed the first student teaching center there, integrating the method courses reading, language arts and social studies and student teaching. She is a member of both KDP and ATE and was part of the creation of the award. Since its founding in 1994, she has passionately served as chairperson on its review committee.

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Congratulations to Nicholas McCoy, the 2025 Dr. Marilyn Nicholas National Student Teacher of the Year! 

A 2025 graduate of Vanderbilt University, Nicholas McCoy earned his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Child Studies with minors in Anthropology and American Studies. Graduating with honors from Peabody College of Education and Human Development, he reflects on his time at Vanderbilt as truly transformative — both professionally and personally.

“My growth at Vanderbilt was fueled by enduring friendships, inspiring professors, and an incredible cohort of future educators — each bringing their own perspective to the art and practice of teaching,” he remarked. “I like to think of myself as a patchwork of the distinctive pedagogies and passions they shared.”

 

 

As an active member of KDP’s Alpha Pi Chapter, Nick helped create a welcoming space where education majors could belong, collaborate, and grow together. He served as chapter president for the past 2 years and led the chapter to being recognized as a 2025 Achieving Chapter Excellence Award recipient. His experiences in Metro Nashville Public Schools—teaching 4th and 5th grade at Eakin Elementary and Harpeth Valley Elementary—gave him a strong foundation for supporting diverse learners. One of his most memorable projects involved teaching social studies through the lens of World War II propaganda comic books, blending art, literacy, and history in a way that sparked creativity and critical thinking in his students.

Now, Nick brings that same energy and thoughtfulness to his own classroom as a 4th grade teacher at Countryside Elementary School in Barrington, Illinois. He continues to shape a nurturing, inclusive environment for his students — a dream made more attainable with support from KDP’s J. Jay Hostetler Scholarship.

“Teaching has always been part of my story,” Nick says. “Coming from generations of educators — both inside and outside the classroom — I am proud to carry that tradition forward through my own work with students.” 

 

 

Congratulations to our previous recipients!

 

Ashlyn Bergethon

2024 STOY Recipient

Baylor University in Waco, Texas

Ashlyn Beregethon is a 2024 graduate of Baylor University in Waco, Texas, earning a bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and Mathematics concentration. She completed her student teaching at Robinson High School in Robinson, Texas. 

Ellen Romious

2023 STOY Recipient

University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas

Ellen Romious is a recent graduate from the University of the Incarnate Word. She is a first-year teacher, currently working at Louis D. Brandeis High School, in San Antonio, TX, teaching English I and II. She has previous experience working in healthcare as a physical therapist assistant. In her free time, she enjoys reading and writing science fiction and fantasy stories and spending time with her husband and three daughters. 

Emily Blackwell

2022 STOY Recipient

Baylor University in Waco, Texas

Emily Blackwell graduated magma cumme laude from Baylor Univeristy in 2022. She has a bachelor's degree in Education with a minor in dance. Emily is Baylor University’s 2022 Elementary Educator of the Year and KDP and ATE’s Student Teacher of the Year for 2022. She was involved in leadership for Zeta Tau Alpha, Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Baylor Dance Company, and was Sweetheart for Pi Kappa Phi.