by Christi Mathis
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale will welcome about 300 high school and community college students who are planning to study education for an action-packed Education Day celebration at the Student Center on Tuesday, Oct. 17. Education Day is part of SIU’s multipronged response to the teacher shortage.
Participants enjoy the 2022 Education Day at SIU. (Photo provided)
Participants from numerous schools will be joining in the interactive learning conference featuring 35 sessions with a wide array of topics. Each high school or community college student can choose three sessions, featuring such titles as “Bubbly Math Art,” I am the TEACHER!,” “Go Outside & Touch Grass: The Value of Outdoor and Place-Based Education,” “The ABCs of Special Education” and “So, You Want to be a Superhero? Let’s Play!”
Another highlight of the conference will take place midday with a resource fair featuring 32 SIU departments and units and education-based organizations sharing information, open-house style, in the International Lounge.
Students from Anna Jonesboro, Benton, Carbondale, Century, Cobden, Dongola, Du Quoin, Eldorado, Elverado, West Frankfort, Goreville, Harrisburg, Herrin, Johnston City, Marion, Massac County, Meridian, Shawnee, Trico and Vienna High Schools along with Grace Christian School and John A. Logan College have registered to attend.
Education Day is sponsored by SIU’s School of Education and the Southern Illinois Future Teachers Coalition. SIFTC is a grant-funded partnership comprising SIU, the Illinois State Board of Education, John A. Logan College, Shawnee Community College and 20 area high schools. SIFTC assists in creating and supporting Educators Rising clubs within high schools for students interested in careers in education.