Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Media Contact:
Kirsi McDowell | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-8320 | kirsi@okstate.edu
High school students intending to teach gathered in the Wes Watkins Center for International
Trade Development on April 2 for a keynote address, tour, and breakout sessions to
showcase how Oklahoma State University prepares highly qualified educators.
Future Teacher Day provides an opportunity for future Cowboys to connect with current
students, faculty, and staff to learn about the OSU experience and the exceptional
educator preparation programs and see the state-of-the-art training facilities and
resources available to them as students in the College of Education and Human Sciences.
Bill Cordes, a nationally recognized leadership and team-building expert, delivered
the keynote speech, challenging the students to embrace responsibility and personal
growth.
Each student participated in breakout sessions with topics ranging from broader college
expectations, financial aid and scholarships, to more major-specific discussions on
becoming an effective writing teacher, fostering community in early childhood education,
teaching family and consumer sciences and more.
Dillon Graham, P12 partnerships coordinator for the Office of Educator Support, said that empowering future teachers with knowledge about financial resources early
is important to OSU’s mission to build a strong pipeline of passionate, well-prepared
educators who will go on to have lasting impact in their communities.
“Scholarships played a crucial role in my own journey to earn a teaching degree here
at OSU, so it’s always a joy to be able to connect aspiring educators with great programs
like Oklahoma’s Inspired to Teach scholarship,” Graham said.
Events like Future Teacher Day highlight OSU’s highly regarded education programs
and allow incoming students to engage with like-minded peers and faculty members who
teach future educators before their admission so that they feel like part of the
education community upon their arrival at OSU.
Teacher Education Programs:
Patrick Smith, manager of Prospective Student Services for the Watson Center for Student
& Career Development, imparted on the students that choosing to become an educator
is more than just selecting a career path — it is embracing a calling to inspire,
lead and make a lasting impact on the lives of students.
“Our future teachers will be the ones who spark curiosity, foster growth and create
classrooms filled with opportunity and hope,” Smith said.
“The passion for education often begins with an inspiring educator, and we are confident
that these students will continue that legacy.”
Dr. Chloe Morris, teaching instructor of early childhood education in the Department of Human Development and Family Science, emphasized the importance of relationship building as part of the education profession.
“I tell future early childhood educators they are making the best job choice. They
will change lives for the better every day, all while having fun — not many jobs allow
for both to be true.”
Teaching is a rewarding yet challenging career. Having a strong support system of
professors, fellow students and experienced teachers provides encouragement and practical
strategies.
Students were given a glimpse of the power and joy of teaching by Dr. Jolie Hicks,
teaching assistant professor of secondary education, through real-world stories and
examples of what makes teaching an adventure. Through her presentation, she helped
students see how they can bring their unique skills and passions into the classroom.
She noted that teaching isn’t just about lesson plans but also creativity, fostering
relationships, and shaping the future.
“The best advice I can give is this,” Hicks said. “Be the teacher you needed when
you were in school.”
“Every student deserves a teacher who believes in them, challenges them, and supports
them. Teaching is a journey of lifelong learning, and the best educators are the ones
who never stop growing alongside their students.”
For more details about admissions, available college funding, involvement opportunities
and more, visit the School of Teaching, Learning and Educational Sciences website.