The School of Education hosted its third annual Welcome to the Profession Teachers Pinning Ceremony on May 10 in 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, Ashante Shields ’20, second grade teacher and school mentor at Randallstown Elementary School. In her address, Ms. Shields inspired the graduates, “May teaching bring you joy, laughter, and a sense of pride. When faced with a challenge, always remember your ‘why’ and use that to drive your passion for education.”
Next, Dr. Kobett played a video of the seniors that displayed a photo of each one as young children at the start of their educational journey and them today. The crowd was delighted and many sighs of “Awww” could be heard.
After the video, faculty members and university mentors mounted the stage to speak their well wishes to the graduates. Following these remarks, 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.
Following the pinning, the students assembled in front of the stage to recite the Teacher’s Creed. They each received a gift bag and a potted marigold. Group photos were taken, and a video shown of children from three of our partner school classrooms offering sage advice to the beginning teachers.
Dr. Kobett delivered the closing remarks and invited the students and guests to take photos in front of the photo wall, below the Stevenson University sign and decorated with festive balloons. 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.