On April 11, 2025, students in the Future Educators Club and Introduction to Education class went to the 2025 Ed Symposium at Sauk Valley Community College located in Dixon, Ill.
Students attended four different sessions led by teachers and administrators from other districts where they spoke about their experiences, teaching recommendations, and colleges for students’ interests. Some sessions included “Difficult Conversations,” “Tips for Prospective Special Education Teachers,” and “Welcome to 25 years in Jr. High.”
Junior Gavin Fischer states that his favorite station was “District Administration” because it “got [him] more interested in becoming a high school teacher, and [he] got to hear from a teacher’s perspective.”
The Pathway programs began four years ago. The programs offer preparatory education combined with university education and with this program, students are on track to reach a sufficient level for university education. Sterling Public Schools has been a part of this since it began.
Seniors Tatiana Ibarra and Jayden Espinoza earned the Education Pathways Endorsement and were recognized at the conference in front of everyone. Ibarra and Espinoza enrolled in six hours of dual credit coursework at SVCC their senior year, took Introduction to Education their junior year, participated in an internship with a local elementary school, as well as, engaged in activities that allowed them to explore a pathway in education to receive this award.
“I personally took two different education classes this year at Sauk, and I felt it was not too overwhelming as long as you do not procrastinate on your assignments,” Espinoza said. Espinoza plans on going to Sauk after high school, then transferring for her bachelors in hope of becoming a preschool or kindergarten teacher.
Are you interested in becoming a teacher or want to be a part of the education program? Reach out to Future Educators Club advisor, and Introduction to Education teacher Heather Johnson to get started!
