Student participants.jpgTuesday, March 26, 2019 was the date for the Mayville State University Division of Teacher Education’s fifth annual teacher education symposium. One hundred thirty students, teacher education faculty, and invited guests attended.

greeting Guests.jpgMayville State teacher education student Levi Lemer, Drake, N.D., enjoyed the day and said, "I had a great time at the teacher education symposium. Organizers did a wonderful job of bringing in a variety of speakers on important topics in education today. It was a very good experience, and I will take the information that I learned with me as I continue toward my goal to become a teacher.”

The day began with Fulbright Visiting Scholar Enikő Bús presenting on “How Teacher-Leaders Can Improve in 21st Century Skills.” Dr. Bús connected with teacher education students from Mayville State and Turtle Mountain Community College as her research on innovative instructional methods supported a constructivist approach to teaching and learning. This is a concept with which Mayville State education students are very familiar. Dr. Bús also shared her experiences teaching in the Hungarian educational system.

Last October, MSU’s Division of Education and Education and Innovation Center collaborated with Legacy High School principal Tom Schmidt to sponsor a Legacy High School tour where participants could explore personalized learning models. (Legacy High School is located in Bismarck, N.D.) Because of Schmidt’s experience with the unique system of enrollment and management used at Legacy, Tom was asked to present at the annual teacher education symposium with a focus on allowing students options and choices in order to ensure they are college- and career-ready when they exit high school. Highlighting Legacy High School’s innovative school structure and operation, Mr. Schmidt’s presentation was intriguing to many who attended.

Each year, MSU invites teacher education candidates and faculty from Turtle Mountain Community College (TMCC) in Belcourt, N.D. to the symposium, for an opportunity to share in pre-service teacher development. This year, students from TMCC presented an adaptation of Anton Truer’s book, “Everything You Wanted to Know about Indians, but Were Afraid to Ask.” Teacher candidates were encouraged to ask questions and reflect on how cultural differences may impact teacher and student views of learning. The presentation was impactful and informative.

Darcy Bakkegard, a professional development coach with Prairie Public Broadcasting, wrapped up the day with small group activities integrating technology tools with a focus on synthesizing all of the information presented during the symposium. Students summarized what they learned throughout the day using videos, pictures, and on-stage performances. 

Photo captions 

Top: Mayville State teacher education students participated in the annual teacher education symposium. Pictured from left to right are McKenzie Groth, Hawley, Minn.; Allison Taylor, East Grand Forks, Minn.; Annette Manning, Melrose, Minn.; Harley Boulanger, Phelan, Calif.; Paige Larson, Gilby, N.D.; MSU faculty member Dr. Cindy Gregg, Amber Anderson, Grand Forks, N.D.; Morgan Lominario, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii; Emily Kennelly, Grafton, N.D.; Angie Sheard, Manvel, N.D.; and Catherine Stagnaro, Pine River, Minn.

Bottom: Mayville State University President Dr. Brian Van Horn (far right) greeted guests at the teacher education symposium held at MSU Tuesday, March 26.