Arkansas Tech University College of Education and Health students, faculty and staff participated in a statewide initiative recognizing the contributions of education professionals on Wednesday, April 12.
ATU’s observance of the fifth annual Arkansas Educator Commitment Signing Week included providing individuals with an opportunity to sign their pledge to educate during a ceremony in the Hull Building Student Union.
“I have been in education for more than 30 years, and I have never looked back,” said Dr. Julie Furst-Bowe, ATU interim vice president for academic affairs, during remarks directed to future teachers in attendance on Wednesday. “I have always thought it was the right choice for me whether I was in the classroom or leading other educators. Education runs deep in my family. I don’t think there’s any other profession where each and every day you are actively changing the lives of others. I commend you on your career choice and wish you great success.”
Arkansas Educator Commitment Signing Week was initiated by the Arkansas Department of Education in 2019.
“We touch the lives of students throughout this entire state,” said Dr. Mary B. Gunter, chief of staff in the ATU Office of the President and distinguished professor of educational leadership at Arkansas Tech. “Our reach is far and wide, and that’s very rewarding. The commitment we’re asking you to make is one that is so important and vital. There is no better role we can play than to have an influence on others and help them develop. That’s what you’ve been called to do. You can be a difference maker.”
Another individual living out the pledge to educate is Shavon Jackson, principal at Crawford Elementary School in the Russellville School District. She served as the keynote speaker for the event at ATU on Wednesday.
“I am so excited for each and every one of you because you are about to embark upon a journey,” Jackson told the teacher candidates present at the event. “It’s going to be the most magical, fulfilling, stressful, angering job you have ever had, but I promise you every emotion you feel will be worth the reward you get when you help a student. We talk as educators about our why. I encourage you, especially at the end of that first year when you are hanging on, persevere. Remember your why. Remember how you felt right now when you were so eager and so excited to start this journey.
“Over the years, my why has continued to change,” continued Jackson. “I started thinking my why was about content and that light bulb moment. It’s gotten deeper for me over the years, and in this moment, my why is about changing family trees. I’ve gone from wanting to impact the students who sit in my seats to knowing that the connections I build with my kids reach far past the students who are in my classroom. I can reach moms, dads, uncles and sometimes grandparents who are raising kids. You can make a difference by making a connection with them.”
Dr. Linda Bean, dean of the ATU College of Education and Health, served as master of ceremonies for the commitment to education signing event.
“It takes all of us to make our schools successful,” said Bean. “You’re the new group, and we want you to be the best there is. It’s important for you to be prepared to meet your students every day and to meet their needs, whatever those might be.”
Learn more about the ATU College of Education and Health at www.atu.edu/ceh.
