FEUND Spring Open House Opens World of Possibilities

On an April evening after a brutal winter, temps were finally reaching the 40s. Spring had finally begun. On the ground floor of the Education Building, students attending FEUND’s Spring Open House were glad for the reprieve. They were there for free pizza – and knowledge.

“Spring Upward with Opportunities in Teacher Education” was an information-sharing event for undergraduates looking for additional opportunities as well as an opportunity for those considering a career in education to learn more. FEUND (Future Educators of the University of North Dakota), CEHD’s official student organization, partnered with Teacher Education and CEHD faculty members to bring the event to life.

Education leaders from Grand Forks Public Schools were on hand to address the crowd including Carrie Weippert, Assistant Director of Special Education; Kayla Erickson, Director of Encore; and Robin David, Director of the Mentor Center. They along with CEHD’s Teacher Education answered questions about working with the Encore program, becoming a mentor at the Mentor Center, or becoming a paraprofessional or substitute teacher. Additional speakers included Andrea Gargano from CEHD Advising and Allison Johansen from the Office of Study Abroad.

“We know that students are excited to start working with schools and we have been told by many that they would like to learn more about these kinds of opportunities,” said Dr. Ryan Summers, one of the organizers of the event. “It was our goal to put on an event that would be interesting to current teacher education students and offer an opportunity for new students to learn about teacher education.”

In addition to speakers, a number of CEHD faculty and staff members were on hand to answer questions and facilitate the event, including:

• Monte Gaukler, Outreach Specialist for the Office of Teacher Recruitment and Retention (OTRR) & FEUND liaison
• Professor Theresa Grijalva, Special Education
• Sherry Houdek, Interim Associate Dean of Student Services and Assessment
• Naomi Mcgaughey, CEHD Middle Level Program Area Coordinator
• Melody Olstad, Teacher Education Officer
• Angie Stokke, Department Assistant to OTRR and Teacher Education
• Dr. Ryan Summers, Associate Professor of Science Education

More than 45 individuals, including over 30 undergraduate students, attended the event. They enjoyed the opportunity to visit with speakers in sessions, learn more about study abroad opportunities, and get all of their questions answered about teaching opportunities. In addition, attendees were treated to promotional items from the college.

Based on attendance and engagement, Dr. Sherry Houdek declared this spring open house was a huge success. “I think that everyone went away feeling like they had been heard and they knew more when they left than when they arrived,” said Professor Monte Gaukler. “Overall, the evening was positively received and we think we will host a similar evening in fall of next year.”

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