UNA Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences

10/22/2026

Always incredible work happening at Kilby Laboratory School! 📚🍎🏫

One of the biggest movers in this year’s rankings was Kilby Laboratory School in Florence.

10/21/2026

🎉 Kilby Laboratory School ranks No. 4 in Alabama!

According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 rankings, Kilby Laboratory School, ranks No. 4 among Alabama elementary schools, earning an overall score of 99.44 out of 100. Kilby also ranks No. 2 statewide in both reading and math proficiency.

Building on its rich history and longstanding tradition of educational excellence, Kilby continues to make a meaningful impact on students and future educators alike. We’re proud of the dedicated Kilby faculty and staff whose commitment to teaching, learning, and student success helps carry that legacy forward. 🦁💜

Read more at the link below🔗 ⬇️
https://www.usnews.com/education/k12/alabama/kilby-laboratory-school-408788

10/20/2026

🦁 UNA faculty and Strickland Ambassadors welcomed aspiring educators at the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Be a Teacher Conference!

Strickland Ambassadors Libby Shepherd and Mackenzie Stephens connected with high school students interested in pursuing a career in education, sharing their experiences as current UNA education majors and offering insight into college life, the teacher preparation program, and classroom experiences.

Dr. Sabrina Stanley also led an interactive workshop, “You’re the Teacher,” where participants stepped into the role of a teacher, tackled realistic classroom challenges, and explored the creativity, flexibility, and problem-solving skills that make teaching such a rewarding career.

We’re proud to inspire the next generation of educators and show what it means to be a teacher! 💜

10/16/2026

🌏 FULBRIGHT TAIWAN: JALI’S JOURNEY — TEACHING, CONNECTING & EXPLORING

Jali Gann’s Fulbright journey continues! 💛 Now settled into her classroom at Heping High School, she’s building connections with students and teachers, sharing American culture, and discovering even more of what Taiwan has to offer.

📚 Bringing Stories to Life

Through a new initiative called Story Corners, Jali recommends books and short stories to junior and senior high school students, selecting reads that match their English proficiency levels. This month, she’s embracing the Halloween spirit with spooky stories! 🎃👻 She’s also collaborating with her Local English Teachers (LETs) on lessons covering topics such as human rights, including the story of Rosa Parks.

🌎 Sharing American Culture

Beyond the English classroom, Jali recently presented to Heping’s junior high social studies teachers, sharing her perspective on American education and introducing topics ranging from history and government to geography and civics. It’s another opportunity to build connections and share cultures through her Fulbright experience!

🎉 Experiencing Taiwanese Traditions

September brought celebrations for Taiwan’s Mid-Autumn Festival and Teacher’s Day. Jali enjoyed a four-day weekend and was touched when students and teachers shared snacks and handwritten notes with her to mark the occasions. 💌

✈️ Exploring More of Taiwan

Jali has also been making the most of her time outside the classroom! During her long weekend, she traveled south to Hualien with fellow Fulbrighters to explore mountain views, dramatic cliffs, local markets, and the coast. In October, she reunited with her cohort for a trip to Kinmen, where the group explored museums, historic towns, and the island’s unique history.

💜 From inspiring students through stories to sharing cultures and exploring new places, Jali continues to embrace every opportunity to learn, connect, and grow during her Fulbright experience.

✈️ Stay tuned for the next chapter of Jali’s Journey: Teaching in Taiwan!

10/15/2026

📚 Enhancing Teaching Through Self-Discovery!

The Center for Teaching and Learning recently hosted a workshop led by Dr. Gary Padgett of the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership. Participants explored their individual teaching styles, discovered ways to build on their strengths, and learned how incorporating elements of different teaching approaches can better support diverse learners and improve student outcomes. 🌟

10/15/2026

We’re hiring… Come join the Spencer College Team!! 💜✨

10/14/2026

🌟 Showcasing UNA’s Unique Approach to Science Education! 🔬

Drs. Lauren Wagner and Sabrina Stanley presented at the SASTE Conference in October, showcasing how clinical experiences and local partnerships are woven into Spencer College of Education and Human Sciences’ elementary and secondary science methods courses.

With universities from Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana sharing their programs, UNA’s innovative model stood out as a distinctive approach to preparing the next generation of science educators! 🌱👏

10/13/2026

Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), the international honor society for education professionals, partnered with the Birthday Fairy to bring a little extra joy across the Shoals.✨ Together, KDP members created colorful birthday gift bags and personalized chair-back covers for Title I and special needs kindergarten students, helping ensure that every child feels celebrated and special on their birthday.🎉

10/12/2026

Homecoming ballots are LIVE! 🦁💜✨

Show your support for the Strickland Ambassadors by casting your vote for Mollie Smith and Nick Pounders! 💜🗳️💻

10/07/2026

✨ Strickland Ambassadors: Surpassing the Gold Standard ✨

💛💜 September Ambassadors of the Month 💜💛

Help us celebrate three outstanding Strickland Ambassadors who went above and beyond the high expectations of service, leadership, and representation:

🌟 McKenzie Brooks — 1st Year | Secondary Education/Social Sciences | Haleyville, AL
🌟 Ella Kate Peoples — 1st Year | Elementary Education | Guin, AL
🌟 Brooke Valentine — 1st Year | Secondary Education/Social Sciences | Florence, AL

Each month, one ambassador from each captain group is recognized for going beyond the Gold Standard—exceeding service hours, showing up early, staying late, jumping in without being asked, bringing energy and joy, or setting an outstanding example for their peers.

Our ambassadors represent their departments, the Spencer College, and the University with pride, professionalism, and purpose. 💛💜

Thank you, McKenzie, Ella Kate, and Brooke, for Surpassing the Gold Standard and for the heart you bring to serving our college and the Lions community! 💜🦁