Educators Rising: What You Should Know About Shaping Future Educators

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people? Do you believe that a strong education system is the backbone of a thriving society? If so, you might be wondering how you can contribute to the future of education, even before you step into a classroom as a certified teacher. This is where Educators Rising comes in.

Educators Rising is a dynamic national organization dedicated to cultivating the next generation of highly skilled educators. It's more than just a club; it's a movement providing a clear pathway for students interested in teaching, starting as early as middle and high school and continuing through college and into the profession itself. But what exactly is Educators Rising, and how can it empower you or the young people you know to become impactful educators? This comprehensive guide will explore everything you should know about Educators Rising.

What is Educators Rising?

Educators Rising is a career and technical student organization (CTSO) and a community-based movement from PDK International. Its core mission is to inspire and guide young people on a path to becoming accomplished teachers, beginning in high school and extending through college and into the profession. Essentially, it acts as a "Grow Your Own" pathway, addressing teacher shortages by preparing passionate individuals to reflect the communities they serve.

History and Vision

Formerly known as the Future Educators Association (FEA), Educators Rising evolved to set pre-service standards, build curriculum, and create tools to advance the education profession at an earlier age. The vision of Educators Rising, shared with PDK International, is to eliminate the teacher shortage by reimagining educator pathways. Their mission focuses on inspiring and growing current and rising educators to become community leaders and advocates for high-quality education.

Core Values

PDK International, the parent organization, incorporates five core values into its work with Educators Rising:

• Community: Fostering a network of support and collaboration among aspiring and current educators.
• Leadership: Developing strong leadership traits in students, recognizing that students are their leaders.
• Service: Encouraging members to engage in projects that assist and recognize teachers and carry out community service.
• Optimism: Cultivating a positive outlook on the future of education.
• Excellence: Striving for high standards in teacher preparation and professional development.

Who Can Join and Why?

Educators Rising is primarily designed for middle and high school students who are interested in education-related careers. However, it also extends its reach to collegiate members.

Eligibility

• Middle and High School Students: Anyone at least 13 years old interested in the field of education can join the Educators Rising network. Membership is open to students currently enrolled in or who have completed a course in specific education career pathways.
• Collegiate Students: Individuals currently enrolled in a community college or a four-year college or university are eligible to become Educators Rising Collegiate members. You don't necessarily need to be an Education major; a desire to learn more about the teaching profession is sufficient.
• Teacher Leaders: Educators (teachers, counselors, administrators) who are passionate about developing future teachers can serve as Teacher Leaders, and their membership is free.

Key Benefits for Members

Why should students consider joining Educators Rising? The organization offers a wealth of opportunities designed to provide hands-on experience and prepare future educators for successful careers.

• Leadership Development: Educators Rising helps students develop strong leadership traits by offering various opportunities for student leadership, including national student officer positions and ambassador programs. Members can represent as student officers or ambassadors at state and national levels.
• Networking Opportunities: Members connect and learn from each other through breakout sessions, national conferences, and virtual platforms like the EdRising Virtual Campus. This fosters a sense of community and a "family of professionals".
• Scholarships & Competitions: The PDK Educational Foundation invests in the future of education by awarding over 30 scholarships annually to active members pursuing an education career, ranging from $500 to $5,000. Students also have the chance to compete for national titles in performance-based competitive events that showcase their teaching skills.
• Professional Development & Resources: Members gain access to a curriculum emphasizing fundamental teaching practices, resources, toolkits, and online content to help them develop their teaching craft. This includes videos of National Board Certified Teachers in action, offering a glimpse into real classrooms.
• Real-World Experience: The program provides students with hands-on teaching experience, allowing them to tutor younger students, plan community involvement projects, and participate in job shadowing.

How Educators Rising Shapes Future Teachers

Educators Rising is designed to create a robust pipeline of accomplished teachers ready to make a lasting difference. It does this through a multi-faceted approach.

Curriculum and Resources

The Educators Rising Curriculum emphasizes fundamental teaching practices crucial for high school students to develop as they embark on their journey to becoming accomplished professionals. This flexible curriculum includes over 60 lesson topics, designed to be modular and adaptable for various instructional formats. It covers five key domains: You, Your Students, Your Classroom, Your Community, and Your Profession. The curriculum is rooted in the Educators Rising Standards, which define what aspiring teachers need to know and be able to do.

Competitions and Conferences

A significant aspect of Educators Rising is its competitive events and national conferences. These events provide students with authentic opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and leadership in education. Students can compete in various individual and team events, such as Children's Literature, Creative Lecture (TED Talk), Impromptu Speaking, and Public Service Announcements. These competitions encourage creativity, commitment, and professionalism, and winners can advance to national conferences. The National Conference is a unique opportunity for students and teacher leaders to connect, learn, network, and be inspired by national education leaders.

Mentorship and Support

Educators Rising fosters a supportive environment. Teacher leaders, often passionate educators themselves, guide students, provide resources, and help them recruit participants. The organization also works to ensure ongoing support into college by promoting and supporting campus-based student organizations. This continuous support helps students stay on the path to graduation and certification.

Getting Involved: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to join the movement? Getting involved with Educators Rising is straightforward, whether you're a student or an educator looking to start a chapter.

For Students

1. Find a Chapter: Check if your school already has an Educators Rising chapter. If not, don't worry, you can still join the national network, and your school might be interested in starting one.
2. Register: Students typically register through the EdRising Membership Portal online. You'll need a valid email address, and there's an annual fee (currently $15 for active-level membership, though some states may have additional dues or cover costs). Active-level membership is necessary to access resources, participate in events, and be eligible for scholarships.
3. Engage: Once registered, explore the resources available through your online portal. Participate in chapter meetings, discussions, and local activities. Consider competing in state or national events to further develop your skills.

For Educators/Schools

1. Become a Teacher Leader: Register as a Teacher Leader on the national Educators Rising website. This is typically free. You'll create a profile and affiliate your chapter with your school.
2. Recruit Students: Encourage students interested in education to join your chapter. They will register through the national portal and select your school to connect with your chapter.
3. Utilize Resources: Educators Rising provides extensive resources for teacher leaders, including curriculum materials, lesson plans, and guidance for planning activities and competitions. These resources can be integrated into existing CTE programs or used for extracurricular clubs.
4. Connect with State Coordinators: Contact your state coordinator to learn about existing state-level activities and resources. Many states have official affiliations and provide additional support.
5. Plan Activities: Determine regular meeting times and locations. Plan engaging activities using the national resources, including preparing for competitions, utilizing micro-credentials, and connecting with local colleges or universities.

Conclusion

Educators Rising is more than just an organization; it's a vital pipeline for nurturing the next generation of dedicated and skilled educators. By providing comprehensive resources, leadership opportunities, hands-on experiences, and a supportive community, it empowers young people to confidently step onto the path of becoming accomplished teachers. For students, it's an unparalleled chance to explore a rewarding career. For schools and communities, it's a proactive solution to ensure a steady supply of high-quality, passionate educators.

Are you ready to be part of the future of education? Explore the Educators Rising website to learn more about starting a chapter or joining this impactful movement. Your journey to shaping tomorrow's leaders could begin today!