Final exams and commencement ceremonies technically mark an ending to the spring semester and the academic year, but I’m looking at this time as one of beginning.
And what I see is the dawn of an amazing new era for the College of Education, built on the many accomplishments and celebrations of recent months and fueled by my abundant optimism for the future.
Please know that we truly are in a different – and better – place now than in January, and we are well positioned for the fall.
Students and faculty are engaging more in person and in our classrooms, offices and hallways as we continue to emerge from the pandemic. Who knew before March 2020 how joyous it is to simply hear the footsteps and friendly chatter of students passing by, or to view them sitting on our padded benches with laptops and phones in hand?
I also am filled with happiness by the countless sticky notes that cover our walls with words of encouragement for all.
What started as a heartwarming and visible way to promote belonging now has taken on a life of its own; new Post-Its are appearing independently of this campaign, and others are being modified with responses.
Together, we are acknowledging our collective success and cultivating a sense of community, which also took place during departmental-level awards ceremonies as well as the fun Faculty and Staff Appreciation Event.
Others also are interested in what’s going on here.
Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton spent time with us and our students May 2 for conversations on how we’re strengthening and diversifying the teacher pipeline. Last week, we gathered with 20 new incredible teachers who will enter Elgin-area classrooms this fall with Elementary Education degrees earned through our PLEDGE initiative.
More than 200 high schoolers who have expressed an interest in becoming teachers came to campus in April to learn how we can make that possible.
New teachers much closer to that goal – our Fall 2022 student-teachers – will get fired up Friday with College of Education alumna Selina Bartels. Based on my talks with Selina, I know that these licensure candidates will want the summer to fly by.
For the rest of us, though, I hope the summer brings you rejuvenation and opportunities to do what might have put off the last two years. To spend time with your family. To reconnect with your friends. To travel. To do whatever makes you happy.
The reason is simple: Our work is critical, and our success is dependent on as much energy and passion as we can muster.
As our nation and world search for unity and peace amid divisive and challenging circumstances, we are the ones with the noble privilege of preparing the next generation of teachers, critical thinkers and servant leaders who will make the informed decisions that will carry us all toward brighter tomorrows close to home and on the other side of the globe.
I am proud to share with mission with you – and I wish you the best of summers.
Laurie Elish-Piper
Dean, Distinguished Teaching Professor and Presidential Engagement Professor
NIU College of Education
