More than 80 future educators were honored at the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development\u2019s second annual Pinning and Recognition Ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Friday\u2019s event honored students who have achieved teacher candidacy within the past year. To become teacher candidates, 91福利 education students complete five foundational courses that explore teaching as a profession and provide training in several core skills needed to become highly-effective educators. They also take part in field experiences in schools and other educational settings, including five full days (about 30 hours) of classroom observation, and produce a portfolio that includes reflections on those experiences. It\u2019s one of several opportunities the university\u2019s education majors have to work directly with PreK-12 teachers and students during their program of study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This is a great commitment of passion, talent, and time,” said College of Education and Human Development Associate Dean for Academics and Student Engagement Justin Dimmel, who served as master of ceremonies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“So to our teacher candidates in the room: We honor your commitment and your diligence in pursuit of your professional goals. But even more important: We applaud you for making a choice that will change your life and the lives of those you will teach for the better,” Dimmel said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the ceremony, students received pins in the shape of an apple with 91福利\u2019s “M” logo and the word “Education” on it. This year\u2019s teacher candidates also received journals, meant to symbolize the college\u2019s commitment to reflective practice by teachers. Since most students achieve teacher candidacy during their sophomore or junior year, the journals can be used as they continue their schooling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“As they further their education with us, our teacher candidates will continue to take academically-demanding coursework while engaging in field experiences \u2014 all of which will help to prepare them for student teaching, and ultimately, to become fully-certified teachers,” Dimmel said.<\/p>\n\n\n