The School of Education hosted its fifth annual Welcome to the Profession Teachers Pinning Ceremony on May 15 in the Rockland Banquet Room. Dr. Beth Kobett, Dean of the School of Education, welcomed the graduates, 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.
Dr. Kobett took the opportunity to invite an “honorary” member of the School of Education to the stage. Elizabeth Fields, Senior Research & Instruction Librarian. She thanked her for her tremendous support and contributions to the program, and presented her lilies, which represent peace, hope and calm, and daisies which represent happiness, joy, light, and resilience.
Dr. Kobett’s 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, alumnus Dominique Trench-Muhammad ’22. Ms. Trench-Muhammad is in her fourth year teaching in Baltimore County Public Schools, beginning in fifth grade in one school and moving to second grade at her current school. In her remarks, Ms. Trench-Muhammad informed the graduates that she created a charm bracelet to commemorate each year she teaches. She adds a charm that represents each year in the classroom. She reminded new teachers that each year will be unique to them, that teaching is a constantly expanding career full of discoveries, and to remain focused on their goals and true to themselves.
Following the keynote address, Dr. Kobett showed a video of elementary students from two of our partner schools and two high school students offering advice to the graduates on becoming a new teacher. Among the words of wisdom and encouragement, a theme running through their comments was to drink plenty of coffee!
After the video, Ms. Danielle Newill, Senior Coordinator of Education Placements and Partnerships, and Dr. Khadeeja Shafi, Director of Graduate Licensure Programs, recognized and thanked the University Mentors who supported the graduates in their internship placements. Special recognition honored Maryjane (MJ) Salaga on her retirement from serving as a University Mentor.
Abby Slovikosky, Sara Horton, and Kylie Zimmerman took the stage on behalf of the senior class to show their appreciation to faculty members, presenting a class gift and thank you cards to Mrs. Newill, Dr. Meers-Gimon, Dr. Valdez, Dr. Schneiderman, and Dr. Kobett. The students and Dr. Kobett also surprised Dr. David Nicholson by recognizing his recent “semi-retirement” as he transitions from being a full-time professor and former Chair of Undergraduate Education to a part-time role teaching classes as an adjunct. Among the thoughtful gifts was a thank you card, gift card, box of candy, a framed picture of Dr. Nicholson and his (beloved by students) mascot, Theo the fox, and matching tropical T-shirts for him and Theo to take a well-earned vacation.
Dr. Kobett played a video of the graduates that displayed a photo of each one as a young child at the start of their educational journey and one of them today. The crowd was delighted and many sighs of “Aww” could be heard. Many of the current photos were of the seniors in their internship classrooms.
Then, the pinning began. Each graduate mounted the stage accompanied by the person they had invited to pin them, such as parents, family members, and significant others. A statement was read aloud that each graduate had composed. Dr. Ariel Borns read the names and statements of Early Education majors, Dr. Shannon Meers-Gimon and Dr. Valerie Valdez read the names and statements of Elementary Education majors, Dr. Jesse Schneiderman read the names and statements of Middle School Education majors, and Dr. Khadeeja Shafi read the names and statements of Masters of Teaching and Masters of Education majors.
Following the pinning, the students assembled at the front of the stage to recite the Teacher’s Creed, led by Dr. Meers-Gimon, Chair of Undergraduate Education. 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.