When High School District 211 education pathway students stepped into the classrooms of Northern Illinois University this fall, the focus was bigger than a basic college visit. The career exploration trip was intended to help solidify future career choices and gain a broader understanding of the pursuit of education as a major.
The visit to NIU’s Future Educators Workshop, an immersive experience designed to inspire the next generation of educators, drew dozens of District 211 students as part of an ongoing Passion to Profession initiative to ensure every student is prepared for postsecondary success. Students participated in breakout sessions covering inclusion, adventure-based learning, and kindness in the classroom. Each offered a glimpse into what it takes to thrive as a teacher and how to navigate the path to an education degree.
“This goes more in-depth on how to be a teacher than I can see in high school,” Conant High School senior Marissa Shulman said.
Mary Earick, dean of NIU’s College of Education, welcomed the students and noted how excited she was to share both her love of teaching and the profound impact their career choice will have on future students and communities. “I believe they returned home inspired and equipped with strategies they can apply immediately,” she said. “I hope to welcome them back as NIU Huskies pursuing teacher-licensure degrees.”
That may be the case for Palatine High School senior Alessandra Guerrero, who said she was especially interested in the adventure-based learning sessions that explored how to connect with students in new ways. The experience had her picturing herself as part of the NIU community. “I wanted to see how the school was and what the classes would be like,” Guerrero said. “I’ve already applied to NIU, and I wanted to see if I would fit in.”
Michele Napier, District 211’s Director of College and Career Readiness, said experiences like the Future Educators Workshop are invaluable for helping students envision their futures. “This was a first for many of our students — not just visiting a college campus, but participating in such an immersive, tailored experience,” Napier said. “Hands-on experiences and early exploration are essential in shaping future educators. By attending conferences like this, students connect their passions to the profession and gain real-world insight into what teaching requires.”
