Troy to hold Future Teacher Summit

The Troy University Department of Teacher Education is gearing up for their annual Future Teacher Summit. 

The summit will be held on Tuesday, March 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Hawkins Hall. The goal of the summit is to inform prospective students about the education program and what the profession of teaching has to offer. 

“Since 2017, over 800 parents and potential students have come to Troy as part of the Future Teacher Summit every year,” said Department of Teacher Education Chair Dr. Joe Johnson. “It is our number one recruiting tool and gives us an excellent opportunity to show our program not only to potential students but their parents and getting people on campus is a critical part of any effective recruitment at Troy.” 

During the summit, students of the department will hold a panel where prospective students may ask questions regarding the program and profession. After the panel, participantswill attend the Helen Keller lecture with speaker Lulu Gribbin at 11 a.m. in Claudia Crosby Theater. 

“It gives them insight on what they would be studying and the process and by seeing these students in the different levels that they’re in, it just gives them a walkthrough of what their future looks like,” said Angela Carpenter, lecturer of teacher education and the director of the summit. “If they’re really sold on this profession, it just gives them confirmation that they’ve taken the right steps.” 

Participants will also have lunch in the Trojan Dining Hall, courtesy of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. After lunch, participants will attend a tour of campus with Troy Admissions. 

Before dismissal at 3 p.m., students may also get the chance to observe classes between the planned schedule. 

Cathy Lott Keck, lecturer and assistant chair of teacher education, shared some encouragement for those considering the profession of teaching. 

“It’s truly, I believe, one of the best professions you can have,” Keck said. “It’s not always seen as monetarily rewarding but the reward you get from encounters when you start teaching. Our reach is really far.” 

Johnson shared a similar sentiment. 

“Teachers make a difference every day,” Johnson said. “Their effects on students last a lifetime and there are very few professions out there that can say that as consistently as teaching can.” 

Anyone interested in registering for the summit can visit https://www.troy.edu/applications-admissions/visit.html where there is a form under the Future Teacher Summit heading.