National, state, and local leaders gathered on the campus of MidAmerica Nazarene University last week to discuss challenges to public education and how MNU could be part of the solution to teacher shortages across Kansas and other states.
Organized by Dr. LeEtta Felter, MNU trustee, and Dr. Jill Gonzalez-Bravo, associate dean for MNU’s School of Education, the first annual Education Influencers Luncheon attracted U.S. Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS); Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson, state and local legislators, and district administrators and principals from nearby school districts.
“The event was the perfect opportunity for MNU to bring together education influencers to collaborate on the challenges and opportunities facing our local school districts and educators,” Felter said, “In a time that is challenging for most colleges and universities, this was an excellent opportunity for us to set MNU apart from all the rest and to show that we are true partners with our local school districts. I can’t help but believe that this will help with enrollment as we continue to innovate and bring value to our community.”
Recent grads Carly (Diaz ’23) Burns and Jonas Pippitt (’21) spoke about their experience at MNU and their transition into the teaching profession. Burns is an elementary special-education teacher in the Olathe School District, while Pippitt is a high school math teacher in the Gardner-Edgerton School District and recently was honored with the Horizon Award for excellence among new teachers.
“While we typically host our advisory board each fall and spring, this year we wanted to keep with our pioneering spirit and try something different,” said MNU’s Gonzalez-Bravo. “The goal of the event was to encourage those working to elevate the teaching profession and fuel innovations in recruiting and retaining effective educators.”
One of the programs that may factor into addressing teacher shortages is MNU’s new Elementary Education-Unified degree. Particularly helpful for paraeducators serving in a school environment, the program helps students complete their teaching degree within 24 months. MNU is one of a handful of colleges and universities selected by the Kansas State Department of Education to provide this program. Paraeducators from regional districts may qualify for a generous $10,000 grant to assist them on their journey to becoming a teacher. MNU offers an additional $4,500 scholarship to qualifying students. The university also provided each district in attendance with an additional $1,000 scholarship to bless one of their employees pursuing this academic program.
Special thanks to the following sponsors for their generosity in making this event possible: Clay & Janet Blair, the Ronald D. Deffenbaugh Foundation, the Felter Family Trust, Mark & Cynthia Rosenau, Martin & Wallentine LLC, and Weber Flooring.
