Preparing Our Educators

Society of Alumni and Friends holds Spring Education Conference

Students attending the Conference participated in resume and cover letter workshops.

ATHENS, Ohio (March 11, 2011) - The Society of Alumni and Friends for Teacher Education held their Robert P. Comer Spring Education Conference Saturday, March 5. Sophomore through senior education students participated in a variety of sessions intended to prepare them to become young professionals.

First, students participated in mock interviews, which was open to seniors only. Lunch was then served as underclassmen joined the Conference to listen to keynote speaker Dave Baker, who serves as curriculum director for North Union Local Schools. Speaking with an obvious passion for teaching and students, Baker discussed ways in which his district was changing to accommodate the needs of its students.

“You have to go where the strengths and weaknesses of your students and teachers are,” Baker said.

Baker pointed out that all students endure different circumstances, citing one example where the family could not pay for electricity, making studying difficult. He also spoke about accommodating teachers, noting he had one brilliant art teacher who simply hated mornings, so he re-worked her schedule so she could come in later.

“The key is, we can not let them fail,” Baker said. “We have to find ways to help students who are up against great obstacles to ensure they do not fail.”

After Baker’s inspiring words, students participated in waves of sessions including tips from first-year teachers, job search and resume tips, inclusion, technology and a discussion on student teaching. All in all, the day was jam-packed with helpful advice and workshops for education majors.

The Society of Alumni and Friends (SAF) is composed of alumni of The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education and Human Services who have a vested interested in education. The Society works hard to create and host several conferences a year designed to bring College faculty and administrators, area educators and students together outside of the classroom. These conferences allow students to gain valuable knowledge from several sources, which strengthens their skills as future educators. For more information, please visit http://www.cehs.ohio.edu/alumni-development/alumni/saf/index.htm.

Story by R. Devin Hughes; Photo by Mark Brunton