The University of Mary Washington College of Education is leading the education discipline in an initiative to create new opportunities for aspiring young educators. In partnership with the annual UMW Summer Enrichment Program (SEP), a summer week-long program that invites rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students to the University’s campus for an enriching, pre-college experience, the College of Education Summer Institute for Future Teachers is an added program working with students who are passionate about pursuing teaching as a career field.
SEP student attendees who apply for the additional programming in the Summer Institute for Future Teachers will have exclusive access to classroom sessions with the College of Education professors and get a sneak peek at the life of a student preparing for a career in education. Classroom sessions will consist of various workshops in project and problem-based learning that will prepare students for a culminating, team-planned presentation at the end of the week. Workshops will include a mixture of instruction and collaboration in hands-on learning labs, such as the College of Education’s new Makerspace. Working in these spaces gives students resources and opportunities they may not otherwise be exposed to, allowing them to engage with pedagogy and curriculum in refreshing new ways.
When asked what the most valuable part of the program is, Janine Davis—the Associate Dean and an Associate Profession in the College of Education at UMW—commented that SEP will “enable students to experience what it’s like to go to UMW, to live on campus, and to talk about teaching with other students and faculty who are passionate about teaching.”
Davis notes that the program introduces teaching concepts early and provides a space where they can discuss educational issues, which is so important to get them excited about a career in education. As current students themselves, their participation in these academic conversations will allow for fresh, unique perspectives.
The programs will run from July 9-15, 2023. The Summer Institute for Future Teachers will have 30 spaces available for high school students from across the state of Virginia—and even across the country—to participate. Students in Teachers for Tomorrow courses make up most of the enrolled students, but students may still apply if they have not participated in a Teachers for Tomorrow program. The application deadline for the College of Education Summer Institute for Future Teachers is extended to March 10, 2023. There are grants available to defray or cover the cost of attendance, depending on family need; all interested students are encouraged to apply.
The application deadline for the UMW Summer Enrichment Program is March 20, 2023.
