Celebrating UC Alumni Teachers
Dear Bearcat Teachers,
I’m excited to take a moment to wish you a happy Teacher Appreciation Week. UC graduates hold a strong presence in schools in and around Ohio, and beyond. You’re working in neighborhood schools, magnet schools, Montessori schools, preschools, childcare settings, and centers. You serve a broad population of students and are integral to the communities where you work. You have almost certainly continued to grow your knowledge and expertise, in service of these communities, since you graduated from UC —whether that graduation was a year ago or decades ago. We are proud that you represent the School of Education.
I am the Director of the School of Education, a professor of math education, and a parent of school-aged kids, and I see the impact of your work through all these lenses. Your students go home with stories of what they learned in your classroom. Pre-service teachers look up to you as role models, and faculty and staff in our school know you to be critical collaborators in the work of education. You’re making an impact at every level of your work.
Wherever you are, geographically, and whatever stage in your career, thank you for pursuing the profession of teaching. We appreciate you, and we champion your work.
Thank you for being a part of the School of Education community!
Anna DeJarnette
Associate Professor and Director, CECH School of Education
Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week with UC Alumni Swag
We appreciate all that you do in the classroom and want to celebrate you this Teacher Appreciation Week! As an alumnus and educator, you can sign up to receive a special swag package, including a badge reel, lanyard, and stickers —perfect for showing off your Bearcat pride at school. Sign up today to receive your swag by filling out the form below. Supplies are limited, so be sure to fill out the form soon, but no later than April 23 at noon.
Form is now closed!
Events Focused on You!
End-of-Year Recess: Sip, Savor, Celebrate
Friday, June 6
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Teachers-Dyer Complex
2610 University Cir.
Cincinnati, OH
You made it! Another school year in the books, and it’s time to celebrate YOU. Join us for a well-deserved morning of brunch bites, a build-your-own mimosa bar, summer self-care kits, alumni swag giveaways, and good company as we toast to your hard work, dedication, and the countless students lives you’ve impacted this year.
Let’s raise a glass to the milestones you’ve achieved and the well-earned break ahead. We can't wait to celebrate with you.
Advance registration is requested by May 30.
Teachers Toast: A Night to Celebrate YOU
Dayton, OH – Monday, May 5 at Archers Tavern Kettering
Louisville, KY – Wednesday, May 7 at Mission BBQ
Indianapolis, IN – Thursday, May 8 at Social Cantina
The School of Education is recognizing our incredible alumni educators with a special series of networking gatherings hosted by Dean Huffman. These events offer a chance to connect with fellow educators, engage in meaningful conversations, and enjoy complimentary appetizers and drinks as a token of our appreciation for your dedication to students and communities. These opportunities from 4 to 6:30 p.m. with a small presentation from the dean at 5 p.m., are designed for small, engaging groups to foster connections and discussions about the future of education. Join us in one of the cities above!
Registration is limited, and advance registration is required by May 1.
Registration is now closed.
Juggling Education & Inspiration with Dr. Jen Mott
Tuesday, May 6 (POSTPONED UNTIL FALL 2026)
6-7 p.m. ET
Join us for a special Teacher Appreciation Week hybrid event featuring alumna Dr. Jen Mott ’10, ’11; an educator, school administrator, and professional juggler — literally!
For nearly 15 years, Dr. Mott has taught and led in Cincinnati-area schools (grades 7-12), all while performing with the Cincinnati Circus Company for almost two decades. She knows firsthand what it means to juggle the many demands of education, and she’s passionate about helping teachers persevere.
She’ll share insights from her book Teacherverance, based on her dissertation research on teacher resilience, and her picture book Why Teaching?, which celebrates the journey of a child aspiring to be an educator. Come be encouraged, swap stories, and connect with fellow educators who are doing the heart work every day in our schools. You won’t want to miss this uplifting and fun evening!
Stay Connected
We want to connect with you! If you update your contact information, complete the CECH volunteer form, or share your story with us during Teacher Appreciation Week, you will be entered into a drawing to win some great prizes!
We will select four lucky winners at the end of the week to receive an UC alumni swag basket and $25 Starbucks or Amazon gift cards. You must submit from May 6-10 to be eligible.
Inspiration From Our Alumni Educators
We checked in with a few CECH alumni and asked them to share some inspiring words with us. We wanted to know what they love most about teaching. Click below to read more.
Do you have advice you would like to share? Reach out to Gage Woolley to learn how you might be featured in a future article.
David Brandon, CECH '03 - Anderson High School, Science Teacher, Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach. – Click below to read more
Katilin Dauner, A&S '12, DAAP '12 - Principal, Woodford Academy. – Click below to read more
Kevin Williams, A&S '10 - Principal, Silverton Elementary School. – Click below to read more
What’s the most rewarding moment you’ve experienced as an educator?
The most rewarding moment occurred at a local Kroger store when the mother of a Nutritional Biochemistry student stopped me in the aisle to thank me for inspiring and empowering her child to, in effect, sit her parents down and have a nutrition intervention for the family. Mom and dad both were dealing with Type II diabetes, metabolic syndrome, elevated blood pressure, etc. My student persuaded the family to make changes in grocery purchasing habits, reduce the frequency of restaurant meals, and incorporate regular family walks and trips to our local parks. Mom was so thankful and appreciative of the experience her student had in my class.
As an educator, it is difficult to appreciate what, if any, impact you are making on your students in the present moment. In this case, my work was helping a family take strides for better health and longevity.
What advice would you give to new teachers just starting their journey?
I urge new teachers to surround themselves with good teachers. Teachers that put students at the center of their work, who care deeply, and who strive for excellence in their practice. Learn from these teachers.
New teachers need to give themselves grace, and recognize that good teaching is really difficult, and not mastered overnight. Some days will be better than others, and some lessons will fall flat. Adjust, improvise, and move ahead. Keep the main thing the main thing: take care of kids, meet them where they are, and encourage and empower them to be the best version of themselves that day.
Who was a teacher that inspired you, and how did they impact your path in education?
Bill Carli was a career teacher at Alliance High School (Alliance, Ohio). He taught at AHS from 1969-2007. I had the privilege of having Mr. Carli for Geometry, Computer programming I and II, and an elective problem solving course. Mr. Carli was also a dedicated youth basketball official, working many middle school and freshman games over the years.
Mr. Carli had a disarming way about him. He delivered high level instruction, engaged us in complex, yet approachable projects, and frequently sprinkled in his personal wisdom in the form of anecdotes. I admired Mr. Carli as an effective teacher, loyal husband (his wife, Jan, was a guidance counselor and our basketball scorekeeper), and a valued community member.
What inspired you to become a school leader, and what continues to motivate you each day?
As a school principal at Woodford Academy, my journey into educational leadership was inspired by a deep commitment to creating meaningful change in the lives of students, educators, and the broader community. Early in my career as a teacher, I witnessed firsthand how a strong school culture, supportive leadership, and a clear vision could transform student outcomes. I realized that by stepping into a leadership role, I could expand my impact beyond my own classroom and help shape an entire school environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
What continues to motivate me each day is the opportunity to influence not only academic achievement but also the development of compassionate, responsible, and engaged citizens. As a principal, I have the privilege of collaborating with teachers to refine instructional practices, build systems that foster equity and inclusion, and create a school culture where every student has the resources and support they need to thrive. Seeing the growth of our students — their curiosity ignited, their confidence built, and their successes celebrated — reaffirms my purpose daily.
Ultimately, my motivation stems from the belief that every student deserves a champion — someone who believes in their potential and is committed to unlocking it. As a principal, I strive to be that advocate, working tirelessly to create a learning environment where students and staff alike are inspired to dream big, achieve more, and make a lasting impact on the world.
Can you share a moment when you saw firsthand the impact of a great teacher or student success story?
As a principal, I've had the privilege of witnessing countless moments that showcase the incredible dedication of our staff and the resilience of our students. One moment that stands out vividly was at our end-of-year awards banquet.
Throughout the year, I had watched one student face significant academic challenges. Despite their struggles, this student showed remarkable perseverance. Thanks to the unwavering commitment of our incredible teachers — who consistently went above and beyond to provide support, encouragement, and personalized strategies — that student began to grow both in confidence and achievement.
By the time the awards banquet arrived, that same student was called to the stage to receive the Highest Growth Award — a testament to their hard work and the dedication of our staff. The look of pure joy and pride on the student's face — matched by the emotional reaction from their family — is something I'll never forget. Seeing their journey from self-doubt to success was a powerful reminder of why I stay in this work.
It’s moments like these that reinforce the importance of passionate, committed educators who believe in every student’s potential. Our teachers are relentless in their dedication, finding creative ways to reach students, build relationships, and ignite a love for learning. Witnessing those efforts turn into life-changing victories — like that student’s growth and success — is what keeps me motivated every day. It’s proof that when we invest in our students and empower our teachers, incredible things happen.
What advice would you give to aspiring teachers who want to make a lasting difference in their schools?
As a principal, one of the most important pieces of advice I can offer to aspiring teachers is to remain grounded in your "why." Teaching is one of the most rewarding yet challenging professions, and your purpose — your reason for choosing this path — will be what carries you through difficult days. Whether your "why" is a passion for inspiring curiosity, building meaningful relationships, or making a difference in the lives of students, hold on to that purpose. Let it guide your decisions, fuel your resilience, and keep you focused on the impact you are making.
Equally important is to surround yourself with positive, growth-minded people who will challenge and inspire you. Seek out mentors, colleagues, and leaders who are committed to collaboration, innovation, and student success. The best educators are lifelong learners, and being part of a supportive, forward-thinking network will push you to continuously refine your craft and stay motivated.
Lastly, never underestimate the power of relationships — with students, families, and your fellow educators. Building trust and fostering meaningful connections is what transforms a good teacher into a great one. When students know you believe in them, they will rise to meet your expectations.
Teaching is hard work, but it's also heart work. By staying true to your purpose, embracing positive influences, and prioritizing strong relationships, you'll make a lasting impact not just in your classroom, but in the lives of your students for years to come.
What inspired you to become a school leader, and what continues to motivate you each day?
Even as a child, I have always wanted to lead or just be the leader of just about anything. So naturally, when I turned my attention to education, I recalled my elementary school Principal, Mrs. Patricia Faulkner, and the impact she had on all of us young scholars. I knew then that I wanted to be a school leader in order to broaden my scope of influence.
Can you share a moment when you saw firsthand the impact of a great teacher or student success story?
The greatest impact I notice is even in my students/adult lives, I've been asked to write letters of recommendations, asked to be their continued mentor, or even been gifted to be the school leader of their children. When I pause and reflect, this gives me great joy and confirmation that the classroom is not where the learning or the relationship stops. I am honored to be an influence for my students during my years in education.
What advice would you give to aspiring teachers who want to make a lasting difference in their schools?
Three key pieces of advice I would give to aspiring teachers are: build Strong relationships with students and families, prioritize student-center learning, and always keep a growth mindset. Doing these three things will allow for maximum academic achievement for all students.
What’s the most rewarding moment you’ve experienced as an educator?
One of the most rewarding experiences I have had as an educator is witnessing the academic, mental, and emotional growth of my English Language Learner (ELL) students throughout the school year. Teaching ELL students has given me the opportunity to connect with diverse cultures, broadening my perspective and enhancing my ability to create more inclusive and accessible lessons. My passion for working with this population comes from the transformation I see in their confidence, engagement, and comfort as they develop both Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP). At this stage of the school year, strong relationships have been established, expectations and routines are clear, and meaningful learning is taking place because of the connections we have built.
What advice would you give to new teachers just starting their journey?
My advice to new teachers is to embrace discomfort as part of the growth process. Progress does not happen without taking risks or stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. Even in moments when I felt I had "failed," I recognized them as valuable opportunities to learn and improve. For new educators, being open to trying new strategies and adapting as needed is essential. This mindset not only strengthens their own teaching practices but also models for students the importance of taking healthy risks in learning.
Who was a teacher that inspired you, and how did they impact your path in education?
One of the most influential teachers in my life was my sophomore-year math teacher, Ms. Arango. Math had always been my least favorite subject because I found it more challenging than others, which often led me to disengage. However, Ms. Arango never made me feel inadequate for struggling; instead, she encouraged me, built a strong rapport, and helped me develop a genuine appreciation for learning math. Her support and belief in my abilities ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in education. I wanted to create the same kind of positive impact for my own students—to help them find joy in learning, even in subjects they may initially find difficult.
What’s the most rewarding moment you’ve experienced as an educator?
What inspired me to be a school teacher is the fact I had been babysitting since the age of 11. I didn't realize that I was being groomed to be a school teacher and also I love children. What continues to motivate me is the growing need to help children learn and be successful.
What advice would you give to new teachers just starting their journey?
The moment when I saw firsthand the impact of a student success story is my own son. He was diagnosed with ADHD and was told he would never learn. He beat the odds by graduating on the "A" honor roll and also being on the honor society. Although he is my son, it is a success story because of what was said about him.
Who was a teacher that inspired you, and how did they impact your path in education?
The advice I would give to aspiring teachers is to stay focused and understand that teaching takes patience. Sometimes you may not reach a child to the end of the school year. Most of all meet children where they are. It takes time to be a good teacher and if this is your passion, continue to grow and in the end it will pay off.
Gage Woolley, CAHS '15
Program Director, Alumni Engagement, College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies, & Graduate College