(L to R) Katie Krassopoulos, Colby Hales, Benton Cutroni, Elijah Chaimovitch Missing from photo: Conner Malone, Isaak Olson, Maksim Zaitsev
The Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) held our annual induction ceremony on Wednesday, January 28th at Higgins House to welcome the newest teacher candidates. Our new inductees received valuable information about the program while learning that early advising is the key in navigating both the minor and the state’s educator licensure requirements.
The night was marked by a candle ceremony followed by a social event to welcome the new members to our close-knit community. During the candle ceremony which was facilitated by the junior and senior members of the TPP, the role that teachers play in “sparking” curiosity was a theme along with the importance that equitable access to quality STEM education has in preparing future generations.
A notable quote from the ceremony included: “Teaching is the work of the highest calling…and it unites all who pursue it. Sometimes, the work may seem hard, and you may grow weary and feel as though your light may flicker, falter and fail.” Teaching is not easy, but our departments and colleagues often help us to elevate our work as educators. The quote finishes with an invitation to “Look around a moment and see the faces of those whose light might sustain you in that dark hour.”
The TPP currently serves 24 undergraduate students pursuing Massachusetts state teacher licensure at the secondary level (grades 5-12) in a STEM field alongside their undergraduate degree here at WPI. In additional news, this Spring marks the largest cohort of interested students to date currently enrolled in our introductory courses! With invitations to apply for acceptance into the program extended in March, we look forward to the further growth of our program.