March 14, 2018

SVSU seeks to inspire future teachers in “Heart of Teaching” event

Saginaw Valley State University will welcome leading educators from the Great Lakes Bay Region to provide insight and motivation for students and others seeking education careers during “The Heart of Teaching” forum Friday, March 16 at 1:30 p.m. in Gilbertson Hall.

“Now is a great time to become a teacher, in terms of job prospects. There is a shortage of candidates reported all over Michigan,” said Craig Douglas, dean of SVSU’s College of Education. “We hope hearing from current educators will inspire and motivate individuals considering a teaching career.”

The event will feature a panel discussion in Ott Auditorium designed to share the motivation and challenges behind becoming a teacher. The following educators are scheduled to appear:

• Adele Martin, superintendent of Frankenmuth Public Schools
• Will McDonald, an elementary teacher at Frances Reh Academy in Saginaw
• Rebecca Meredith, a special education resident teacher in Saginaw Public Schools
• Mike Newman, a principal for Saginaw Township Community Schools
• Jesse Place, a high school teacher for Saginaw Township Community Schools
• Matt Schmidt, superintendent of Bangor Township Schools

Prior to the panel discussion, SVSU will present the 2018 Harold W. Peterson Award for Excellence in Teaching to Jenna Perez, a second grade teacher at Loomis Math, Science and Technology Academy in the Saginaw Public School District.