Local Saline County Career Center students attended the Educators Rising National Conference and Competition in Orlando, Florida June 28-July 2, 2023.

Educators Rising is a professional organization that supports students who are interested in exploring a career in education.

Six students attended and competed in the national contests.
-Izabella Chevalier of Malta Bend and Maddison Zdybel of Slater competed in the Interactive Bulletin Board contest, creating a bulletin board geared toward first and second grade students in science.

-Dallas Miller of Sweet Springs competed in Educators Rising Moment, where she delivered a three to four minute speech describing teachers who supported her in exploring education.

-William Wenzl of Marshall competed in Exploring Support Services, presenting on his experience shadowing the Marshall High School librarian, Brent Dobbins.

-Claire Glenn of Sweet Springs competed in Exploring Administration, sharing her experience shadowing SCCC director Brian Wilcoxson.

-Alexus Christensen of Sweet Springs competed in Exploring Non-Core Education, creating a presentation on her observations of MHS Physical Education teacher Amanda Van Winkle. Overall, Alexus placed 9th in the nation.

“Students represented their area schools and the Saline County Career Center well,” said teacher-leader Danielle Callanan. “I am so pleased with how they competed and participated in all the conference had to offer.”
The trip would not have been possible without major donations from the Break of Dawn Cafe in Marshall and the Malta Bend Missouri Memorial Post 558 of the American Legion. Danielle Callanan added, “We could not do this without the generous support of our community. Our students in this program are striving to became educators and this contest gives them a chance to connect with other future teachers. We are so grateful to have sponsors in our community who are willing to support us. We are hoping to have even more students competing next year in Washington, D.C.”

Students were able to hear two keynote speakers, the 2022 National Teacher of the Year, Kurt Russell and the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education, Roberto Rodriguez. Many colleges were also in attendance to give students more information on future educational opportunities.

Photo courtesy of the Saline County Career Center