Teacher Career Exploration Day showcases Mizzou’s teacher preparation community

Story and photos by Morgan Solomon

The College of Education and Human Development brought together faculty, staff, students and partners for Teacher Career Exploration Day on March 19, welcoming nearly 100 middle and high school students from across mid-Missouri to explore teaching as a career.

Students and staff from 21 schools spent the day on campus engaging with Mizzou’s teacher preparation community, learning what it means to pursue a career in education and how future teachers are prepared through hands-on learning. The event reflects the college’s commitment to access, mentorship and strengthening Missouri’s educator pipeline.

Teacher Career Exploration Day is a collaborative effort across the college, in partnership with colleagues from the Heart of Missouri Regional Professional Development Centers (RPDC), and would not be possible without the combined leadership of faculty, staff and students.

The day began with remarks from Dean Kui Xie, followed by a keynote from Assistant Teaching Professor Kirsten Tivaringe, who spoke about the importance of preparing and supporting future educators. After the opening session, visitors rotated through teacher preparation workshops led by faculty, staff, and students.

An open door to education

Throughout the event, CEHD students served as hosts and guides, welcoming visiting students, answering questions and offering insight into life at Mizzou. They participated in sessions and conversations, helping prospective students see themselves reflected in the college’s community.

Faculty- and staff-led workshops introduced students to core elements of teacher preparation, including lesson planning, classroom engagement and the realities of working in schools.

For current students like Claire Brandon, one of the most rewarding parts of the event was finding opportunities to connect with visitors.

“My favorite part of this event so far is how welcoming our team of ambassadors and our faculty are to prospective students,” said Claire Brandon, a student ambassador. “It really helps students feel comfortable asking questions and imagining themselves here.”

Those informal conversations complemented the structured sessions, giving visitors a clearer picture of coursework, field experiences, and the support systems available within Mizzou’s teacher preparation programs.

Marena Nuñez Cruz, who is studying secondary middle school education, said that visibility matters when students are considering the profession.

“I think this event is important because we’re showing what it’s like to be an education major,” said Nuñez Cruz. “Coming into the field of education can be intimidating, so we want to create a welcoming space.”

A shared passion for teaching

The day concluded with a closing session led by secondary social students education major Anna Boes, who reflected on her own journey to teaching and the experience that shaped her commitment to the profession.

“Teaching is a choice. One that I make every day,” Boes said, describing how working with younger students and stepping into leadership roles revealed how meaningful the profession could be. She spoke honestly about the challenges of choosing and staying in education, including doubt and uncertainty, but emphasized the sense of purpose that keeps her and her peers engaged.

“There’s an overwhelming passion and love for teaching that shines through,” Boes said. “You’ll never be in a class where people care more about what they’re learning than in an education class. We all want to be the best teachers we can be.”

That shared passion carried throughout the day. Teacher Career Exploration Day put Mizzou’s teacher education community on full display. The event brought together faculty, staff and current students to welcome future educators and offer and inside look at life as an education major. Through open conversations and hands-on connections, participants experienced the collaborative approach that defines teacher preparation at Mizzou. The day reflected a shared commitment to teaching and learning that continues to shape how Mizzou prepares educators to lead in classrooms across Missouri and beyond.