CASE hosts discussion panel for education students

The Concordia Ambassadors for Students in Education (CASE) club works to support and provide a voice for education majors at Concordia University, Nebraska.  The group recently hosted an educator panel to connect students to educators in the field.  

“We were very pleased with the event,” said student co-organizer sophomore Mary Beth Hart of Lincoln, Nebraska. “We are grateful for all the educators who came to speak and the education students that attended! There was a great turn out, amazing discussions and great questions asked.” 

One of the ways the club works to provide connections for students is organizing events for them. The club regularly hosts Future Educator Fridays, an event that features donuts and coffee to show appreciation for both education students and professors.  

The panel event was organized by junior Vaughn Hendrickson of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Mary Beth Hart. The duo reached out to local educators to see if they would be interested in speaking at the event. When finalizing the panel, they prioritized featuring a diverse group of educators from different cities, varied backgrounds and experiences teaching all age groups.  

“There were many incredible discussions and questions throughout the panel. We love seeing the excitement and joy our students have for teaching. We plan on hosting this event again next year and look forward to seeing everyone there!”

The panel consisted of a mix of private and public educators, as well as early childhood, elementary, middle and high school teachers and administrators. The event also featured an ice cream bar, made possible with the help of the CASE faculty advisors, Assistant Professor of Education Dr. Drew Gerdes and Professor of Education Dr. Vicki Anderson.  

“CASE would like to give a big shoutout to all our local educators that came to speak to our Education students,” said Hart. “There were many incredible discussions and questions throughout the panel. We love seeing the excitement and joy our students have for teaching. We plan on hosting this event again next year and look forward to seeing everyone there!” 

Concordia University, Nebraska’s education program prepares teachers to lead, teach and serve from a foundation of faith that asserts the value of every individual. Education majors will sharpen their God-given gifts as they learn to minister to future students, families, churches and communities.