April 19, 2016  

Students prepared to learn at Purdue Become a Teacher Day

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. —High school students intrigued by teaching will receive a daylong lesson in the profession this week from Purdue University's College of Education.

More than 110 students from high schools around Indiana are expected to attend Become a Teacher Day on Thursday (April 21). The event is 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., with welcome remarks in Room 306 of Stewart Center.

The expected turnout is more than double last year's attendance total, an exciting fact for Teresa Taber Doughty, associate dean for learning in the College of Education.

"We want to provide interested high school students an opportunity to learn more about teacher education, the teaching majors we offer across our six colleges and the positives about being a teacher," she said.

"While teachers are overworked and underpaid, teaching remains one of the most satisfying professions. Teachers are needed and they make a difference."

This is the second year for the event, Doughty said.

As part of Become a Teacher Day, students will learn about Purdue's teacher preparation programs, career pathways and emerging trends in the profession. Students will participate in a team building activity using STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) skills and go on tours of the Purdue campus.

STEM leadership is one of the four categories of the Purdue Moves initiative, designed to broaden the university's global impact and enhance student educational opportunities.

Doughty said students have a lot of questions about education, ranging from admission requirements at Purdue to the job potential for teachers, including salaries and benefits.

A number of parents as well as teachers also are expected at the event and will meet with admissions officers and staff members from the financial aid office.

Purdue's College of Education meets the challenges of educating 21st Century learners by discovering what works in education. The college prepares highly qualified educators and conducts research that informs how teachers teach and students learn. With a focus on integrated P-12 STEM education and a commitment to social justice and diversity, graduates are prepared to be leaders in education, business and society. 

Writer: Brian L. Huchel, 765-494-2084, bhuchel@purdue.edu 

Source: Teresa Taber Doughty, 765-494-2702, tabert@purdue.edu 

Note to Journalists: Media attendance is welcome throughout the event with faculty and students available for interviews. 

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