by Christi Mathis
CARBONDALE, Ill. — More than 120 teachers of tomorrow will be honored at Southern Illinois University Carbondale during a special pinning ceremony at 5 p.m. May 6 in Shryock Auditorium.
The newest Teacher Education Program graduates from throughout campus academic areas, along with the Rend Lake Marketplace campus, recently completed their student teaching — and this touching ceremony marks the final step on their educational pathways to becoming professional educators.
While attending SIU, each teacher candidate completes three semesters of practical experience comprising part-time clinical assignments. Their final semester is devoted to full-time student teaching with a cooperating teacher. At the ceremony, the cooperating teachers will present the teacher candidates with their pins, marking the end of the SIU undergraduate experience. This year, there are 121 teacher candidates, who served at more than 60 schools throughout the region.
Teacher candidates, guests, clinical educators and cooperating teachers will enjoy a reception at 4:30 p.m. prior to the pinning.
For additional information about TEP or the pinning ceremony, visit the website or email the TEP office at tep@siu.edu.