MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Future education majors from Penn High School had a ceremonial "Teacher Signing Day" on Tuesday morning.
The event showcased members of the Class of 2025 who plan on majoring in Education during college. In total, 12 students signed letters of intent that guarantee them job interview upon completion of their degree.
"I just want to help kids and see their growth and just follow them along their journey." said Kate Diaz, future Ball State University student.
The students had the opportunity to invite their favorite teacher who inspired them to become a teacher themselves. Unfortunately, for some, that was not possible.
"Definitely my second-grade teacher, Mr. Keck, who's no longer with us," said Arianna Rice, future IUSB student.
"When I saw how good of a teacher he was and how much he was able to ... work with me and like, get me to where I needed to be in school, that was definitely my inspiration, because I wanted ... in hopes, do that for other kids."
These graduating students will be attending colleges and universities in the Fall of 2025.
“This event is important to highlight and celebrate those students who are pursuing a career in education,” said Penn instructor Rachael Meyers, who oversees Cadet Teaching.
“The world of education is constantly changing. The needs of our students change from year-to-year. This program helps foster a vision for students who are considering at the very least to work with children of all ages. The program also highlights the possible directions education might go.”
Below is the list of students in the program with their intended college/university and major, and inspiring teacher:
- Hannah Abad, Ball State University, Elementary Education, inspiring teacher: Mrs. Wachs
- Ruth Bautista, Indiana University South Bend, Elementary Education, inspiring teacher: Mrs. Wachs (not present at the ceremony, but will receive a letter of intent)
- Olivia Bennett, Indiana University South Bend, Special Education, inspiring teacher: Mr. Blazo
- Chloe Bowering, Indiana University South Bend, Special Education, inspiring teacher: Mr. Sanders
- Kate Diaz, Ball State University, Elementary Education, inspiring teacher: Mrs. Wetzel
- Kiley Ellis, Indiana University South Bend, Elementary Education, inspiring teacher: Mrs. Schenkel
- Lizzy Green, Ball State University, Elementary Education, inspiring teacher: Mrs. Meyers and Mrs. Wetzel
- Megan Kennedy, Ball State University, Elementary Education, inspiring teacher: Mrs. Obert
- Katherine Kollar, Ball State University, Secondary English, inspiring teachers: Ms. Armstrong, Mr. Coffee and Mrs. Meyers
- Kyleigh Mason, Indiana University Bloomington, Elementary Education, inspiring teachers: Mrs. Wetzel and Mrs. Meyers
- Reagan Miller, Indiana University South Bend, Early Childhood, inspiring teacher: Mrs. Wetzel
- Arianna Rice, Indiana University South Bend, Elementary Education, inspiring teachers: Mr. Keck and Mrs. Wachs