The School of Education hosted its fifth annual Welcome to the Profession Teachers Pinning Ceremony on May 16 in the Rockland Banquet Room. Dr. Beth Kobett, Dean of the School of Education, welcomed the graduating seniors, their families and invited guests, faculty, and mentors to the celebration. She thanked all who helped organize the event and have supported the graduates in their educational career. Her message stressed the important of cultivating community. She described the Marigold Effect, the phenomenon of the companion plant that, when planted next to vegetation or flowers, helps these other plants to thrive. She urged the graduates to find their marigolds when they enter the profession, those who will greet them with enthusiasm, foster their growth, bolster them on difficult days, and increase their chances to achieve success.
Dr. Kobett then introduced the featured speaker, David Marrero ’20, English and Creative Writing teacher at Sparrows Point High School. In his address, Mr. Marrero congratulated the seniors on their commitment to joining the teaching profession and urged them to recognized their accomplishments. “As you step into this vital role,” he spokes, “never underestimate the power you have to shape the minds of students and inspire future generations.” Mr. Marrero offered three pieces of advice: Don’t be afraid to say no, Relationships are everything, and (in the words of Ted Lasso) “Be a goldfish.” In other words, have a short memory for your missteps and learn to let go of your mistakes or any tough days in the classroom. Remind yourself of what you believe and why you teach.
Following the keynote address, Ms. Danielle, Newill, Senior Coordinator of Education Placements and Partnerships, recognized and thanked the University Mentors who supported the interns in internship placements.
Dr. Kobett recognized and thanked the faculty. Jenna Burton, on behalf of all the seniors, presented Dr. Bob Pelton with a special sign to commemorate his retirement.
Dr. Kobett played a video of the seniors that displayed a photo of each one as a young child at the start of their educational journey and them today. The crowd was delighted and many sighs of “Aww” could be heard. At this time, a remarkable weather phenomenon occurred. Strong winds and torrents of rain threatened to disrupt the event. The balcony doors flew open, and the force of the blast knocked over the US and Maryland flags onstage. Thankfully, although the video was interrupted, the doors were secured and the ceremony continued. The video resumed later in the program. Dr. Kobett remarked, “Between flying doors, toppled flagpoles, and chaos, it turned out to be something unforgettable and oddly magical.”
The next video was introduced by Wiktoria Bilich ’23, second grade teacher a Mays Chapel Elementary School. She began, “I’m reminded every day that children are far more perceptive than we often realize. They notice how you speak to them. They remember how you make them feel. They listen, even when it seems like they’re not. And they teach us just as much as we teach them.” She continued, “who better to give you advice as new teachers than the kids themselves?” She asked her second graders what they think makes a great teacher. Their answers were sweet, and silly, and incredibly “spot-on.”
Then, the pinning began. Each student mounted the stage accompanied by the person they had invited to pin them, such as parents and family, faculty members, and university and school mentors. Dr. Kobett read aloud a statement each senior had given her to read.
Following the pinning, the students assembled at the front of the stage to recite the Teacher’s Creed, led by Dr. Pelton. They each received a gift bag and a potted marigold. Dr. Kobett delivered the closing remarks and invited the students and guests to take photos in front of the photo wall, decorated with festive balloons in the Stevenson colors. As everyone enjoyed refreshments, students and their families received congratulations and thanked faculty and mentors for their encouragement and support. It was a touching and memorable event that celebrated all in attendance and welcomed the graduates into the teaching profession.