Recently, high school students had the chance to visit the College of Education and Human Sciences (CEHS) for the Engage Education event. They learned from the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Leadership (CIL) and explored careers in education.
What sets Engage Education apart is that junior and senior students get to hear directly from teacher candidates who are training to become educators. Dr. Dustin Whitlock, the interim chair of CIL, explained that the goal is to partner with local school districts to inspire future teachers and give students a clear picture of what a teaching career looks like.
Unlike regular classes led by professors, these workshops offer a personal look at college life and the journey to becoming a teacher. Emma Jane Reeves, a teacher candidate in CIL, highlighted how valuable this event is for both the volunteers and the students who visit.
“It’s fun to connect with students interested in teaching and show them what we do,” Reeves said. “They get a hands-on experience that helps them understand how we learn to teach and the skills needed for the classroom.”
The CIL department is dedicated to helping future teachers succeed. They create an environment where aspiring educators feel supported. Haynes Mandino, a teacher at Minden High School and Louisiana Tech graduate, emphasized the importance of guiding students toward teaching. He noted that teaching is becoming a less popular career choice, so showing students that it’s a viable option is essential.
“Engage Education helps students see their options in the teaching profession,” Mandino said. “During my time in the CIL department, I felt truly supported. Everyone was ready to help, making the path to becoming a teacher feel less daunting.”
With the growing need for educators, it’s crucial to demonstrate that a teaching career can be both fulfilling and attainable.
Minden High School student Josh Davis found the talks from teacher candidates enlightening. They made him think about his strengths and goals in education. “Hearing from college students opened my eyes to what teaching is really like. Now, I feel more confident about pursuing a career in education,” Davis shared.
Students who attended Engage Education had the chance to win scholarships, such as a $1,000 award from CEHS and two $500 scholarships from the CEHS Office of Admissions.
Dr. Whitlock mentioned that when school districts bring students to Engage Education, they aren’t just offering them a glimpse into teaching; they’re also introducing potential future educators who reflect their communities and the diversity in education. “It’s exciting to see students discover the opportunities available to them at Louisiana Tech,” he added.
