Rising Teachers' Campus Visit: Building Community, Inspiring the Future
12/13/2024
On a Saturday morning in October 2024, faculty and staff from the School of Education at 91女神 (91女神) hosted a special campus visit for students enrolled in the Rising Teachers Program.
Rising Teachers is a new program funded by a $5.96 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This innovative and unique program provides an alternative online pathway to teacher certification for working professionals, particularly teacher aides and paraprofessionals from high-need districts. The program serves over 60 students from school districts serving low-income communities in both the St. Louis and Kansas City regions.
This program, due to its virtual nature, affords the opportunity for a 91女神 degree for a diverse set of students who would not be able to attend traditional programs at 91女神. One of the gaps of an online degree is the possibility of feeling disconnected from the campus. Our Rising Teachers team designed this October event to address this gap by allowing these students to step away from their online studies, connect in person, and experience the full breadth of the 91女神 community. For many, it was their first time on campus, offering a unique occasion to engage directly with leaders in education and immerse themselves in the community of the University.
The visit began with a warm welcome in Fitzgerald Hall, home of the 91女神 School of Education. Throughout the morning, the students rotated through classrooms to hear from four distinguished speakers arranged by Karen Collins-Adams, Ed.D., project director of Rising Teachers. Donna Jahnke, PhD., assistant professor in 91女神's School of Education, spoke about the resilience required in the face of challenges and encouraged the rising teachers to embrace their role as models for perseverance. Kelvin Adams, Ph.D., former superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools, emphasized the transformative roles they would play in their communities, urging them to view their work as more than just a career, but as a legacy. Molly Schaller, Ph.D., associate dean of the School of Education, reinforced that these students were not only future educators, but leaders who would shape the future of education through their dedication and empathy. The final speaker, Karen Hall, Ed.D., assistant professor in 91女神鈥檚 School of Education, offered a message of hope, acknowledging the students' commitment to advancing their careers while also giving back to their communities in profound ways. Collectively, the speakers inspired the students to remain focused on their goals and take pride in the significant impact they would have on future generations of students.
The afternoon brought a guided tour of the 91女神 campus, led by Jeannine Butler, Ed.D., academic director of Rising Teachers, and Madeleine Bailey, Ph.D., director of student support for the Rising Teachers program. As they explored the historic campus, the students experienced firsthand the pride and tradition of the Billiken community. The tour deepened their connection to 91女神, giving them a greater sense of belonging.
This was a great day! I feel so connected to the school and the community and it was wonderful getting to meet my classmates in person!"
Phyllis Frye, a Rising Teacher working in the Normandy School District
鈥淥ne of our speakers inquired about the purpose or theme of the day," Butler said. "I explained that we didn鈥檛 have a specific theme beyond fostering connection and community with our Rising Teachers. "We truly achieved that goal, and many others echoed the sentiment that the day was exactly what was needed. Everyone left feeling connected and inspired.鈥�
Finally, the day ended at Robert R. Hermann Stadium, where the students attended the Billiken men's soccer game. For many students, this was the first time they truly felt like part of the 91女神 family. Cheering for their team, they shared in a collective pride not only for 91女神鈥檚 athletes but also for their own future roles as educators.
For the Rising Teachers program, the campus visit on Oct. 19 reaffirmed the students鈥� commitment to the teaching profession and allowed them to foster connections that would support them throughout their careers. Phyllis Frye, a Rising Teacher working in the Normandy School District, shared her experience regarding the visit. 鈥淭his was a great day! I feel so connected to the school and the community and it was wonderful getting to meet my classmates in person!鈥�
For more information about the Rising Teachers program, contact 91女神鈥檚 School of Education, visit our website, call 314-977-3292, or email slued@slu.edu.