Hannah Lucey-Tallamy C’23, G’25 claims the award, marking the ninth straight year Drew students have been honored
August 2025 – Drew University’s Caspersen School of Graduate Studies’ Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) student Hannah Lucey-Tallamy C’23, G’25 has been named one of the top 15 Distinguished Clinical Interns by the New Jersey Department of Education.
Since 1985, the educator preparation programs within New Jersey’s teacher training institutions have been invited to submit the dossiers of their most outstanding teacher candidates into competition for this award.
Lucey-Tallamy, who earned a bachelor of arts in English with a concentration in writing and communication from Drew in only three years, completed Drew’s Dual-Degree in Teaching. “I loved that Drew’s program gave me the opportunity to complete credits towards my masters degree during my undergrad, so I knew right away that’s where I wanted to complete my masters degree as well,” she said.
“Hannah embodies what we hope for in all of our MAT students,” said Maureen O’Sullivan, assistant director of teacher education. “Watching her grow into such a thoughtful and creative educator has been inspiring, and this recognition is incredibly well deserved.”
Lucey-Tallamy completed her clinical internship in first grade at Lafayette Township Elementary School in Lafayette, New Jersey—the same school she attended as a child.
“I learned so much throughout my clinical internship, I truly grew as a teacher because of the support I received from both my cooperating teacher and clinical supervisor,” said Lucey-Tallamy. “When I was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi as a sophomore, I was able to attend the ceremony where they also recognized the recipient of the Distinguished Clinical Intern Award for that year. I knew then that I wanted to be the one who received the award for my graduating class. I was determined, but I couldn’t have done it without my students who pushed me to be the best version of myself, as both an educator and an individual.”
The award highlights the strength of Drew’s MAT program and its emphasis on valuable hands-on learning. At least one Drew student has been recognized every year since 2017, with three students honored last year.
“I am so excited to bring the knowledge that I learned in the classroom at both Drew, and the first grade classroom where I was able to see first hand all the jobs it is to be a teacher!”
