NEWS

High school juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in education had the opportunity to learn more about Louisiana Tech University’s College of Education (CEHS) during Engage Education on February 16.

Faculty and students in the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Leadership (CIL) continue to work with local school districts in hopes of connecting with potential future educators. Schools from four different parishes across North Louisiana attended the event.

High schoolers participated in workshops and campus tours while also engaging in questions about all aspects of CEHS and the CIL department.

“The sessions were on early childhood and elementary education, elementary STEM education, and secondary education,” Dustin Whitlock, assistant professor of secondary education in the CIL department, said. “Our teaching candidates were able to share their experience in our program with the aim of helping high school students understand what it means to be a Louisiana Tech student as well as what it means to be in the Curriculum, Instruction, and Leadership program.”

Alexandria Feaster, principal of Homer High School and 2017 graduate of Louisiana Tech, brought her students back to her alma mater for Engage Education. She expressed excitement in showcasing the place that influenced her career in education.

“The CIL department prepared me to be able to adapt and accept change,” Feaster said. “I have accomplished a lot since graduating, but I love letting people know that it all started for me at Louisiana Tech.”

“We have begun to see a trend that when high school students participate in Engage Education and visit our campus, they come back to join us when making their decision about where they want to pursue their education,” Whitlock said. “This event helps them make an informed decision about their college choice.”

Along with the educational workshops, seniors who attended were entered into a drawing for a $1,000 scholarship provided by CEHS and two $500 scholarships provided by CEHS Admissions office.

Engage Education continues to teach prospective educators about the joys of being an effective educator and the science of designing classroom instruction.

“We are especially grateful to Louisiana National Bank for being our primary sponsor for the event,” Whitlock said. “The community leaders at LNB are so willing to give back to the community and support the field of education as we seek to make a difference in the lives of students.”