Wright State’s Future Teachers Day inspires next generation of educators

Nearly 200 high school students attended the fifth annual Future Teachers Day showcasing Wright State’s education program and potential career pathways. (Photos by College of Health, Education and Human Services)

A record number of high school students from across the region gathered at Wright State University for Future Teachers Day, an event designed to showcase careers in education and what it’s like to study at Wright State.

Hosted by the College of Health, Education, and Human Services, the fifth annual event brought nearly 200 high school juniors and seniors to campus to explore the college’s teacher education programs, culture and priorities and connect with current students, staff and faculty.

“Future Teachers Day allows students to come to Wright State and experience what it feels like to be a Raider,” said Jennifer Schmidt, program director for the exceptionalities and intervention specialist programs. “They get to see campus, learn about our education programs and meet the faculty who could someday be their professors. Building those personal connections helps students feel comfortable envisioning themselves as students here.”

Students from several local school districts’ Teacher Academies attended the event, including those from Beavercreek, Belmont, Brookville, Centerville, Kettering Fairmont, Northmont, Upper Valley Career Center, Stebbins and Wayne.

Katie Sharp, Teacher Academy instructor at Stebbins High School, has brought her students to the event every year.

“Wright State has done a tremendous job adapting this event to the current high school learner,” she said. “I’ve found that students wishing to pursue teaching professions are interested in various levels within education or education-adjacent careers, and this event is a great way to introduce them to different departments and pathways.”

University staff, faculty and students led educational sessions, a student panel, a campus tour and a major fair.

University staff and faculty led sessions covering a range of topics including creating an active classroom, exploring STEM education, building self-care habits and learning how different personalities influence decision making. Other activities included a student panel, campus tour and College of Health, Education, and Human Services major fair.

Education major Kayleigh Marcotte attended Future Teachers Day twice during high school and said that attending the event influenced her decision to enroll at Wright State.

“I could tell from being at Future Teachers Day that the students and faculty were passionate about Wright State’s education program, which I took as proof for its excellence,” Marcotte said. “Wright State was a very affordable option without giving up the quality of the programs.”

“The goal of Future Teachers Day is that students can take away valuable knowledge and skills that they can begin implementing today and in their future careers,” said Rachel Schwab, associate director of enrollment and retention for the College of Health, Education and Human Services.