The University of Arkansas held its first Teacher Induction Convocation on Oct. 23, honoring about 150 students planning to become teachers.

Each new teacher candidate was introduced and received a pin signifying their entrance into teacher education. The program was held in the auditorium of the new Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences in Fayetteville. About 300 people attended.

The program featured a keynote address by Vanessa Stewart, a fourth-grade teacher at Springdale's Monitor Elementary School. She is one of four finalists for the 2019 Arkansas Teacher of the Year. In 2010, Stewart earned a Masters of Arts in Teaching in childhood education from the U of A's College of Education and Health Professions.

Teacher candidates from 10 teacher-education programs, from three colleges across campus, were represented.

Jennifer Beasley, director of the university's Office of Teacher Education, told KNWA-TV the ceremony was long overdue. 

"We see it as a point to celebrate their decision to be really a part of young people's lives and helping them grow and nurture them, and we see teacher education as more than just a career but a calling," she told the station.

The ceremony represented the university's efforts to recruit and retain students in teacher education programs by highlighting the profession and welcoming them into teacher education. Both undergraduates and master's degree students were honored.