Aug. 3, 2024
On Aug. 1, SPS held a special signing ceremony for the third 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.
"Future Educators helps SPS actualize its strategic plan and student access and opportunity initiatives by recruiting, hiring and retaining educators from diverse backgrounds," said Michelle Gavel, director of student access and opportunity. "It is our intent for participants to become outstanding educators within SPS, and Future Educators equips them to be success-ready teachers when they begin their careers."
At the ceremony, 2023-2024 SPS Rookie Teacher of the Year and Future Educator Class 1 participant Drew Irwin shared how the program impacted him.
"The commitment of providing access and resources that ensure students in the program are academically successful - that's invaluable," said Terry Campbell, coordinator of student access and opportunity. "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."
Class 3 Future Educators:
- Jennifer Stuppy
- Zaria Jackson
- Addie Cummins
- Brendan Vandenberg
- Catelyn Conover
- Milo Cain
- Mason Hoffman
- Nicholas Bradford
- Carson Kennedy, not pictured
