Future educators learn at Teacher by Trine

About 30 Coldwater (Michigan) High School students got the opportunity to learn about education careers and what Trine University offers for education majors during the first Teacher by Trine education summit on Sept. 29.

The juniors and seniors, who are part of the Education Academy program at the Branch Area Careers Center in Coldwater, received an overview of Trine’s education program, financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and attended one of four breakout sessions led by faculty and students in Trine’s Franks School of Education. Topics for the breakout sessions included: Effective Classroom Management; Culturally Responsive Teaching; Literacy-rich Strategies; and Technology Enhanced Learning.

“It’s going to be an interesting bus ride back. I can’t wait to hear what the students have to say about their experience here,” said Karen Sobeske, Education Academy program manager. “I’m hoping they take away some important information that will help them in their own career if they continue with education.”

Sobeske said Tony Kline, Ph.D., interim dean of the Franks School of Education, had reached out to her about bringing students to campus.

“I talked to him about previous experiences we’ve had visiting other universities and how those formats worked out,” Sobeske said. “He put together a wonderful session for us today.”

“The feedback from all parties involved was clear: our Teacher by Trine education summit was a great success,” said Kline. “The high school students gained a full day of professional development, and our Trine education students gained valuable experience in organizing and assisting in the event.

"We look forward to inviting more area schools next year, as the Teacher by Trine education summit will become a fixture in the culture at Trine University."

Besides learning about the teaching profession, the students learned about the benefits of Trine’s education program, including allowing education majors to finish their teaching degree in four years.

“A lot of our state schools are requiring five years and that’s another year of tuition and a year lost of employment, so that can make a difference,” Sobeske said. “I’m giving them a chance to see how they can do this at a quality school that values the education field.”

“As with any successful event, it was a collaborative effort to plan and implement this successful event,” said Kline. “I am grateful to the willingness of our Trine faculty, staff and students in lending their talents toward this experience.”