School of Education welcomes future educators to experiential kickoff

Stepping to the podium at the first-ever School of Education Experiential Kickoff on July 31, Dean Isabel Nuñez was thrilled to see 61 students and future teachers filling the Classic Ballroom at Walb Student Union on the campus of Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Nuñez started her introduction by sharing an experience she had as a first-grade teacher, helping a student understand a concept.

“There is absolutely no better feeling in the world than that,” she said. “And I am so excited because that is going to be your reality. That’s going to be your life’s work, and there is no better way to have fun and get paid for it than being a teacher.”

The event at Purdue University Fort Wayne was organized by Holly Hullinger, clinical associate professor of elementary education, and Sharon Parnin, clinical assistant professor of educational psychology, with help from most SoE staff members. In part, the event highlighted the introductory exploring education course, but also the experiential learning that PFW coordinates through Fort Wayne Community Schools. Education students go into classrooms to gain authentic training as soon as possible.

After working mostly with Study Elementary the last few years, that program continues to expand to other FWCS schools—and FWCS is offering more opportunities to PFW students.

“We want to make sure that students going through this program understand that there are job opportunities right here for them right now,” said Krista Stockman, director of communications for FWCS, who attended the event. “Even before they do student teaching, they can be a classroom assistant or a substitute teacher, and we will work with them on their schedule.”

Stockman said she also wants to make sure PFW students know about a variety of FWCS programs and opportunities at all levels.

Incoming freshman Keira Sharp from Wawasee said she always dreamed of becoming a teacher, but she also is passionate about physics and thought that would be her career goal. Then her physics advisor told Sharp she could earn majors in both to become a physics teacher. Hearing that, Sharp brought a bright attitude to the event.

“It just sounded like a great way to connect, not just with the professors I’m going to be working with, but also the other school administrators and maybe even some new friends,” Sharp said.

The day included a professional expectations briefing, skits dealing with possible encounters, and an extended overview of PFW’s experiential learning program. That work has helped Study students see their literacy rate scores improve by 20 percent, said Joe Brown, FWCS assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction, and assessment.

“I truly believe you can be the champions our kids need,” Brown said. “Every kid needs a champion.”

Hullinger said the event continues to show the commitment of PFW students, faculty, administrators, and their partnering local school districts.

“Obviously, word is spreading that Purdue Fort Wayne is a place where students want to be trained to be teachers,” Hullinger said. “We are thrilled at that reputation that we have always had and continue to establish.”

The kickoff was one of several recently added SoE events reaching out to PFW students, alumni, and area school districts. The first online professional learning summit was held June 10, and the second Aspiring Teachers Day for high school juniors and seniors, an event that drew 120 participants last year, is scheduled for Sept. 15.

“The reason these things are happening is because our faculty members are really committed,” Nuñez said. “They have great ideas, and they make them happen.”