Teacher Induction Convocation Honors Students Committing to the Profession

Marin McGrath

Jennifer Beasley greets the audience at the sixth annual Teacher Induction Convocation.

The U of A recently held its sixth annual Teacher Induction Convocation, honoring 240 students across three colleges who have committed to the profession.

Students from 13 teacher education programs were represented at the celebration, held at the Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences in Fayetteville. Each teacher candidate was announced and greeted by faculty members at the end of their "walk of recognition." Twenty-five faculty members presented pins to the newly-admitted teacher candidates. The pins read, "Knowledgeable, Skillful, Caring, Professional."

"These words help frame the mission of educator preparation at the university. The U of A is committed to our state initiatives in preparing and supporting teachers in the state of Arkansas," said Jennifer Beasley, faculty member in teacher education. "The pins serve as a remembrance of this milestone, which we hope they will proudly wear as they continue through the program."

In addition to students and faculty, 153 guests attended to celebrate the teacher candidates. College of Education and Health Professions Dean Kate Mamiseishvili kicked off the ceremony by noting how important families are in supporting the commitment to teaching. She shared the story of her own grandparents, who impacted her community through their roles as educators.

Both undergraduates and master's degree students were honored at the induction ceremony.

The ceremony also included a reveal of the teacher education programs' new branding: Hogs Teach InspiRED (Razorback Educator Development). A new video featuring teacher candidates was also shared for the first time at the event.

The keynote speaker was Jeff Flanigan, a graduate of the College of Education and Health Professions' physical education Master of Arts in Teaching program. Flanigan is the principal at George Jr. High School in Springdale. He has received various accolades, including Henderson Magnet Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2007-2008 and Ashdown High School Teacher of the Year finalist 2009-2010. U of A program faculty nominated him based on outstanding achievements.