Educators Rising Conference at USD Ignites a Passion for Teaching
Educators Rising is a community movement that supports school chapters in helping students kickstart their journey into teaching. Supported by the State Departments of Education, area schools and local organizations, this initiative paves the way for a high-quality teaching force.
“Events like Educators Rising help make careers in teaching more visible for high schoolers who are starting to find their way in the world,” said Daniel Mourlam, Ph.D., chair of the Division of Teacher Residency & Education and associate professor at USD. “For many, they’re seeking careers where they can have an impact, and teaching is one of those professions. Creating opportunities where high school students can explore and learn about what it means to be a teacher is critical as they make decisions about their futures.”
The day was a powerful celebration of community and the future of education, with students and leaders from Brandon Valley, Canton, Elk Point-Jefferson, Gayville/Volin, Harrisburg, Lennox, Madison, O’Gorman, Plainview (NE), South Sioux City (NE), Vermillion, Viborg, West Central and Winner.
The Educators Rising conference included visits from Travis Lape, state director of Educators Rising, and two nationally recognized teacher leaders: Karlene Stabe of Elk Point, South Dakota, and Tracy Kern of Harrisburg, South Dakota.
The keynote address was delivered by Paige Wright, a 2018 USD graduate and standout middle school teacher in the Harrisburg School District. Wright shared her inspiring path from Brandon Valley High School to earning her degree at USD, and ultimately to building a career rooted in leadership, advocacy and a passion for student success. Her words reminded participants of the power of teaching, the impact of leadership and the importance of supporting the next generation of educators.
“The excitement and energy the students brought was contagious,” said Melissa Griese ’19, academic recruiter in the School of Education at USD. “You can’t be in a room filled with these passionate young people and not feel inspired to become a teacher yourself.”
Attendees also had the opportunity to dive into seven dynamic breakout sessions, which covered topics like special education, student teaching, integrating robots into the classroom, free college credit and USD admissions. These sessions gave future educators hands-on insights and practical tools to carry forward into their own journeys.
“One of the best places to support education is as a teacher in the classroom,” said Jackie Wilber, Ed.D. ’07, director of the Center for Student & Professional Services. “Even if these students don’t go on to become educators, they took the time to learn more about the profession. That means when they have kids of their own, when they vote, when they participate in the community, they will have a better understanding of how educators are part of the fabric of our society."
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