Seven Future Educators commit and sign to become teachers at SPS
Aug. 12, 2022
On Aug. 3, SPS held a special signing ceremony for the first class of Future Educators. In the next three years, these Missouri State University students will learn to lead classrooms with excellence.
When they graduate, they'll join Team SPS.
"We are excited the Future Educators program is up and running," said Dr. Yvania Garcia-Pusateri, Chief Equity and Diversity Officer. "It's been a labor of love, and to see it come to fruition has been an honor. Teachers play such a special role in the lives of students. I would not be the woman I am without the intentional and affirming care that I received as a student, and we look forward to the growth and development of these students and how they will be future teacher leaders in our district."
At the signing ceremony, signed a statement of intent and shared why they wanted to pursue a career in education. Three of the seven are recent graduates of Springfield Public Schools, including Anusha Chakraborty, who graduated from Kickapoo High School and currently serves students as a substitute teacher.
"I aspire to become a teacher because I want to inspire my students to go out in the world and accomplish big goals, just as my teachers did with me," she says.
Each student was congratulated by Superintendent Grenita Lathan and Missouri State University president Clif Smart. As a cohort, the Future Educators will be immersed in professional learning for the next three years, guided by educators and leaders within Springfield Public Schools and MSU.
Equity and Diversity Workforce Development Coordinator Michelle Gavel leads the innovative program, serving as a champion for these future teachers.
"The commitment of providing access and resources that ensure students in the program are academically successful - that's invaluable," said Gavel. "In the program, teachers receive the supports they need to become certified and a successful candidate for teaching positions at SPS. This grows an established and consistent pipeline of teachers, many of who are graduates of SPS. Who better to teach our students than who once sat in the same classrooms? When teachers are able to connect with their students or share similar experiences, it can greatly impact academics in a positive way."