The College of Education at Illinois State University hosted more than 1,000 high school students at the Future Teacher Conference on October 21. During Future Teacher Conference, high school students who are interested in becoming teachers are inspired and guided to explore more about careers in education. This is the fourth annual conference where future teachers learn about the resources available in the workplace and how to identify their value and talent in each area of teaching, helping them answer the question that many have: “Which area do I really want to teach?”
“The Future Teacher Conference has a positive impact not only on the students from 90 high schools across the state but also on many school districts, communities, and ISU,” said Kelli Appel, director of enrollment and transition services in the College of Education (COE).
School personnel at Amanda Perez-Rosser High School mentioned that “we had a student last year who went to the event, and this influenced her choice to attend ISU.”
The number reached this year shows that with effort and commitment, it is possible to reduce the national teacher shortage. The students who attended the event not only began to learn about their vision for the future but also enjoyed a performance by The Gamma Phi Circus, one of the many things that make ISU unique and special.
The students who participate in this conference also meet with invited alumni and other educators who tell them about their experiences in the teaching field.
After the event, students and teachers alike expressed their satisfaction and gratitude for the event.
“This was an excellent event, and I cannot wait to bring more students next year,” said school personnel at Cambridge High School.
A student at Mahomet Seymour High School expressed their happiness by saying, “I loved it! I would come again if I had the opportunity; I had so much fun, and it was an eye-opening experience!”
The College of Education is grateful for the campus and community support for this important event. Planning has already begun for the 2023 conference, where they hope to set a new attendance record.
