Michigan State University-St. Andrews hosted 23 future teachers on Feb. 9 in hopes of encouraging the juniors and seniors to consider Midland as an area in which to work and live after completing their teaching degrees.
The students and two advisers boarded a charter bus from the East Lansing campus and braved the snowy weather to learn more about Midland area school districts.
The group’s first stop was Central Auditorium where they were greeted by Midland Public Schools administrators. Superintendent Michael Sharrow and his staff explained the district’s mission, goals and finances, in addition to the programming and opportunities available.
A second presentation was given by Grant Murschel, director of planning & community development for the City of Midland. He provided an overview of Midland, and shared the many opportunities for connecting with other young professionals through the vibrant arts, entertainment and outdoor activities in the area.
After the presentations, the group moved on to tour the new Central Park Elementary and view its science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in action. The student-teachers were impressed with the innovative design and discipline crossover.
One teacher-candidate, Olivia Sugiharto, noticed a physics lesson on the white board posted in the kindergarten neighborhood.
“Seriously? They are working on physics…in kindergarten!” she said. “I’m blown away. Hearing this morning about the district’s high expectations and performance makes me want to work even harder to become a good teacher so that I can contribute to a school like this.”
The group then boarded its bus for its final destination, MSU-St. Andrews. There, they were treated to lunch and additional presentations from other area schools. Staff from Bay City Public Schools, Bullock Creek Schools, Freeland Community School District, Meridian Public Schools and Midland Public Schools gave overviews of their respective districts.
Students were then put into small groups, which rotated among the five districts’ representatives every 15 minutes, allowing more one-on-one discussion time.