ESU student prepares for teaching future
Emporia State University
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Todd Roberts, an Emporia State University senior studying elementary education from Ottawa, is looking forward to his teaching career and is gaining valuable education insight by attending the National Education Association Student Program (NEASP) Conference in Denver, Colo.
The “Fall Connections Conference,” which was held Nov. 10-12, complements college students' academic training by offering access to professional development seminars that address today’s most critical and relevant classroom issues.
“Being involved with the NEA Student Program gives me an opportunity to be a leader and an advocate for great public schools,” said Roberts, who is currently serving an appointed term on the NEA Student Program Advisory Committee of Student Members. “I enjoy the time I spend working to improve public schools.”
Roberts is expected to complete his bachelor’s degree in May 2008. He said he looks forward to becoming a teacher and possibly pursuing a master's degree once he has gained several years of teaching experience.
This year, Roberts is the president of the Kansas NEA Student Program. He also served as the Highland Community College Student Government Association president in 2004-05.
During the conference, about 300 attendees had the opportunity to meet with NEA President Reg Weaver, who delivered the opening address and discussed the importance of nurturing students who will be future leaders in education.
Leading authorities in the field of education and teacher preparation helped lead discussions and activities aimed at having students develop the skills they need for long-term success.
Sessions included topics such as school safety and bullying, sexual health, developing cultural identity, campaigning 101, understanding diversity and connecting to the community.