Reflecting on Engagement: Tennessee State University’s Commitment to Aspiring Educators in the 2024-2025 Academic Year
Tennessee State University proudly reflects on its vibrant engagement with aspiring educators. Throughout the year, a variety of enriching experiences have been designed to enhance the professional development of our students and prepare them for impactful careers in education.
One of the highlights of this year was the “teaching tourist” field trips that took our aspiring educators to iconic community entities in the Nashville area. Visits to the Nashville Children’s Theatre, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, Nashville Symphony, and the Country Music Hall of Fame provided students with unique insights into how these organizations contribute to the educational ecosystem. These experiences not only broadened their understanding of creative teaching methods but also emphasized the importance of community partnerships in fostering holistic educational experiences.
In addition to these field trips, the partnership with Metro-Nashville Public Schools has proven invaluable. The HQIM (High-Quality Instructional Materials) workshops hosted for faculty and students offered hands-on training in the latest pedagogical strategies, fostering an environment where innovative teaching practices can thrive. Furthermore, edTPA webinars sponsored by the Tennessee Education Association equipped our candidates with essential skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of teacher assessment, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of the classroom.
A significant milestone this year was our inaugural “Teaching Tigers” signing day, where we celebrated candidates who secured teaching positions before graduation. This event not only recognized their hard work and dedication but also served as a testament to the quality of education and preparation they received at Tennessee State University.
As we reflect on this academic year, it is clear that the engagement initiatives have played a crucial role in equipping our aspiring educators with the tools, experiences, and confidence they need to excel in their future careers. We look forward to continuing these efforts and nurturing the next generation of educators who will make a lasting impact in their communities.
Abby McCulley, a sophomore and special education major who also happens to be a volunteer fire fighter helped secure a Tech nursing white lab coat for a nursing student she helped rescue from a 3-vehicle accident on Highway 111 Friday, Sept. 22. Emergency responders had to cut the nursing student’s lab coat off to rescue him. Per Abby, when she saw this, “It broke my heart. You know he’s spent a lot of time to get to the point he can wear that lab coat. It’s the little things.” COEd administrators made sure Abby did not pay for the lab coat out of her own pocket. The following are links to the story:
https://www.wkrn.com/video/tennessee-tech-student-administrators-gift-lab-coat-to-nursing student-following-car-crash/9273485/
Queen Ogbomo, Stephanie Richards, and Perihan Fidan were awarded a faculty grant whose funds they used to bring a group of underrepresented high school students to tour the College of Education. The students used the makerspace in the Jeffers Learning Resources Center with 3-D pens, virtual reality, and metal casting. These innovative interactions are vital to show students the exciting possibilities in the teaching field. A primary objective of the grant is to expose students to the creative side of teacher education and help celebrate teaching as a profession. They also toured the university and dined in the RUC. Please see attached photos.
The Tennessee Science Teachers Association hosted its annual conference with record attendance of 550+. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction provided COEd backpacks (including graduate program flyers) for all participants. Dr. Leslie Suters is the president of TSTA and Drs. Kelly Moore and Stephanie Wendt are board members. These faculty members, in their administrative board roles, are strong advocates for the education profession. Their work with TSTA provides opportunities to interact with and influence the state of science education in the state of Tennessee and beyond. This strong support and messaging is impactful for pre service and in-service educators. The conference team video recorded their session (Using Inquiry to Make Sense of Phenomena) which will be shared out on the TSTA website. From left to right in the attached photo are Stephanie Wendt, Aliesha King, Allison Jackson, Elizabeth Lawson, Lexie Newman, Kara Meadows, Annie Smith, Colter Alexander. All are students except for Dr. Stephanie Wendt.
TN-CEEDAR 