Murfreesboro, Tennessee — Help mentor future educators at the college when the MTSU College of Education Board, affiliated with a local school district, brainstorms with schools in Rutherford County and the city of Murfreesboro We brainstormed ways to give back and support our teachers. Thank you for your party style.

After months of planning and preparation, about 70 local teachers recently arrived on campus to enjoy the university’s first teacher appreciation event.

“Teachers really need our support right now,” said Pam Ertel, a board member and associate professor of education. “Without the support of these mentor teachers and the local district, we cannot effectively prepare our students for teacher candidates. It was a step.”

“We wanted it to be casual and fun,” added Shannon Harmon, another committee member and professor of education. “It was an opportunity for these educators to relax, socialize and feel special.”

The event committee includes Professors Heather Dillard and Amber Matuszewski, and the Sept. 27 event will work with the Office of the President, Chancellor, and Dean, along with the Departments of Elementary Education, Special Education, and Educational Leadership. was funded by

“Being appreciated at an event like this shows that they know and trust us, and that we are preparing our student candidates for the future. ,” said Kelsey Rohn, a fourth-grade teacher and MTSU at Hobgood Elementary School in Murfreesboro. She is a graduate who has been teaching COE student teachers for 6 years.

“To be honored by my former professors like Dr. Harmon, to see us work and to see that I am carrying on the legacy as an MTSU alumnus of the College of Education is very special. .”

Staff decorated the James Union Building’s Tennessee Ballroom with colorful lights, tables adorned with true blue tablecloths, topped with inspirational quotes, a photo booth, and an MTSU-themed event for attendees to take home. The stage was completed with a blanket and cookie display, two tables with giveaways, two more tables loaded with food and drink, and a large blue starlight courtesy of Ertel’s personal holiday decor collection.

While enjoying refreshments and conversing with fellow educators, attendees were greeted by the appearance of the university’s mascot, Lightning, as well as remarks and recognition of hard work by university leaders, and donations from COE staff. It was praised for multiple prize draws and a surprise video by country music singer Chris. Young and Zac Brown Band guitarist Coy Bowles.

Melissa Flowers, a kindergarten teacher at Murfreesboro’s Homer Pittard Campus School and another MTSU alumnus, said it was amazing to be celebrated and appreciated by her alma mater.

“As teachers, it’s rare for teachers to get this kind of event just doing our job,” Flowers said, adding that the highlight was that the COE won multiple awards at the national level. I added that I learned

“It was really nice to know we were a part of it,” Flowers said.

For more information on opportunities at MTSU’s College of Education, visit the website at https://www.mtsu.edu/education/ and follow the college on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MTSUEducation/ please.