Educate Local: Early Engagement and Developmental Experiences for Teacher Candidates

• In Event: Nurturing Teacher Dispositions and Professional Identity: Culturally Relevant Pedagogy, Socially Just Teaching, and Advocacy for Every Student

Abstract

Educate Local was established to afford teacher licensure candidates the opportunity to gain experience and develop their perspective of education through volunteering and participating in various campus, community, and educational settings and broaden their career aspirations. As Educate Local participants, teacher candidates build their professional portfolio during their freshman and sophomore years and continued through to graduation. These opportunities provide candidates with beneficial experiences and a depth of understanding that will support and enrich their teacher preparation.

Author

• David A. Walker, Northern Illinois University