Mini-Future Teacher Academy for Wichita students held

Select Wichita middle school students attended a one-day conference to consider careers in education.

A total of 27 eighth graders from were nominated by educators to attend the “mini” Kansas Future Teacher Academy Thursday, April 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Emporia State University’s Visser Hall.

“Research shows students who have an in-depth look at education careers will consider entering that field as they move through high school and college, “said Dr. Scott Waters, director of the academy. “For several years we have dreamed of holding a one-day conference for middle school students - particularly under-represented student populations - with the goal of planting seeds for younger students to consider entering the teaching profession. With funding from the state legislature, we were able to do it again for the third year running.”

The day’s activities will include sessions on setting goals, technology, and general information about attending college.

This one-day academy was coordinated by USD 259 and Future Teacher Academy faculty consisting of ESU and area K-12 instructors.

A similar one-day academy was held in February for Emporia middle school students and another one for Topeka area students was held in March.

A five-day Kansas Future Teacher Academy for high school students will be held in June at ESU. This will be the eighteenth year the academy has been held. The KFTA is coordinated by the Jones Institute for Educational Excellence at ESU.

For more information about the academy, contact Scott Waters at 620-341-5764.

STUDENTS IN ATTENDANCE:

Rosenda Gallardo
Kristina Lechner
Nathan Gallardo
Courtney Hogoboom
Monica Young
Nancy Mendoza
Rosibel Huerta
Laura Verdin
Tina Tran
Cynthia Gomez
Deandre Crawford
Ernesto Martinez
Timmy Smith
Martha Palacios
Jorge Cordova
Nancy Martinez
Estefania Paredes
Irene Duran
Ana-Karen Alvarado
Abbi Ashley
Y Ngo
Tara McClain
Taylor McGInnis
Michael Jones
Sarah Hayden

Adults:
Michelle Simmer: Teacher
Tisa Crawford: Parent

Last Updated July 2, 2007>