Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) is set to welcome young, aspiring educators from across the region to its 4th Annual Future Teachers’ Day. The event will bring together high school students who are passionate about shaping the future of education and are eager to explore the possibilities of a teaching career.
“We are thrilled to invite area students to SEMO’s Future Teacher Day,” said Buddy Alberson, associate dean of Educator Preparation. “This event offers invaluable insights into the teaching profession, providing participants with a look into their area of interest, the opportunity to talk to faculty and ask questions to current college students.”
At Future Teacher’s Day, students will get to explore different educational tracks including elementary, early childhood and special education, middle school education or secondary education. Students will also get to experience the technology in SEMO’s EDvolution Center—a one-of-a-kind space with an abundance of teaching technologies available to teachers everywhere—as well as learn more about student organizations designed to support aspiring educators. 
Future Teachers’ Day offers an introduction to the strong sense of community and support that SEMO provides its education majors. Reinforcing its commitment to excellence in teacher preparation, SEMO's educator preparation programs have been awarded a five-year initial accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP). With this recognition, SEMO continues its tradition of shaping future educators who will make a lasting impact in schools across Missouri and beyond.
“Attending Future Teacher Day not only illuminates the path to becoming a teacher but also connects students with our supportive community and resources, preparing them for success in their educational journey,” said Alberson.
A teacher shortage continues to be a pressing issue both regionally and nationally, making events like Future Teachers’ Day more critical than ever. By welcoming over 200 high school students to SEMO’s campus, the University works to inspire the next generation of educators and address the growing need for qualified teachers in schools. SEMO’s commitment to preparing future educators ensures that these students will play a crucial role in helping to fill the gaps in classrooms across Missouri and the U.S.
For more information on SEMO’s teacher education programs, visit semo.edu/edprep.