Early Childhood Major Brings Education to Le Bonheur’s Youngest Patients
February 21, 2025 – Jailene Moreno is breaking new ground for the College of Education (COE) at the University of Memphis as the first student to complete her teacher residency semester at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Downtown Memphis. This unique opportunity is part of the All Kids Academy.
Unlike a traditional student-teaching experience, Moreno’s day begins with briefings and updates on her students’ conditions. She then visits each child individually, spending at least 15 minutes with them. Her role is twofold, to help them stay on track academically and to provide a welcome distraction from the challenges of a hospital stay.
“It’s emotionally impactful and has taught me to stay focused and compassionate under pressure,” Moreno said. “You can see and hear what the kids are dealing with, and you can feel that weight when you walk into the rooms. It’s fast-paced because there’s more of a focus on health and well-being rather than academics, and that is why I try to make an impact each time I see a child.”
Announced in June 2023, the All Kids Academy began as a collaboration between Le Bonheur, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC), and UofM’s College of Professional & Liberal Studies (CPLS). The initiative has since expanded to include COE students. Moreno, a Memphis native and an Integrated Early Childhood major, is one of 17 UofM interns in the current cohort.
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| Moreno with Dr. Salem |
“These kids have been in the hospital for extended periods due to their medical conditions, and some are indeed behind on their schoolwork,” Moreno said. “The activities I do, whether it’s reading, coloring, singing or doing silly dance moves, help them feel connected to their normal routine, or if they have not experienced a school environment, it gives them a different outlook of how their day goes.”
“The first cohort of UofM interns has already made a tremendous impact on our patient families through All Kids Academy,” said All Kids Academy Coordinator Erin Lasley. “Our goal is to meet kids where they are, and it is a joy to walk alongside the next generation of educators as they prepare to do the same.”
“Jailene is leading the way to a dynamic, responsive approach to teaching children under medical care, adapting lessons to fit their unique academic and emotional needs,” said Dr. Wesam Salem, an assistant professor of elementary education and Moreno’s clinical supervisor. “This experience is giving her invaluable insight into how education can evolve beyond the traditional classroom. We’re so proud to see her bridge the gap between healthcare and education, proving that learning truly has no boundaries.”
Moreno’s experience at Le Bonheur highlights an evolving perspective on education—one that goes beyond the traditional classroom setting. At its conclusion, this residency will have been more than just a learning experience but something that will have shaped Moreno’s vision for the future.
“One of my takeaways is how important it is to be flexible and to be able to adapt quickly to the environment,” Moreno said. “Every child’s situation is so different, and I must be able to provide that balance when supporting the child through their education. It might not be in a classroom setting, but I am put to the test when evaluating the student and myself with what is my overall goal for the child.”
Moreno’s goal is to become a teacher after graduation. Currently, the All Kids Academy serves children five and under, but there are plans to expand the program to include K-12 students. This expansion will create even more opportunities for COE student teachers to make a meaningful impact, just like Moreno.
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