Education Expo 2026, hosted by the Future Educators of Color (FEC), took place March 21 at the Multicultural Center. The event was sponsored by a College of Education Seed Grant and focused on supporting the professional growth of future teachers from all education majors across campus. By bringing together aspiring teachers, the expo created a space for learning, collaboration, and reflection on effective teaching practices.
The event featured guest speakers with extensive teaching and research experience, including School of Teaching and Learning faculty members Dr. Miranda Lin, Dr. Terry Husband, and Dr. Beth McDonald, as well as current Metcalf School first-grade teacher Sierra Strawder. Together, their diverse backgrounds provided participants with both theoretical insights and practical strategies for effective teaching in today’s classrooms.
During the panel discussion, speakers addressed topics such as finding a personal “why” for teaching, offering advice to first-year teachers, managing stress to prevent burnout, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. These conversations offered participants a clearer understanding of the challenges and successes educators experience at different stages of their careers.
Building on these discussions, the expo also included interactive workshops that introduced participants to concepts such as building inclusive classroom communities, healing-centered pedagogy, and internationalizing teaching. Through hands-on activities, attendees actively applied these ideas, contributing to the development of their teaching philosophies and innovative approaches to instruction. These sessions created opportunities for meaningful engagement in a collaborative environment.
Dr. Xiaoying Zhao, associate professor in the School of Teaching and Learning, stated, “As the faculty advisor of FEC and an attendee of the expo, I was particularly encouraged by the strong commitment demonstrated by future educators to addressing the diverse needs of today’s classrooms. It was rewarding to witness the level of interaction and engagement throughout this event.”
In addition to the workshops, the event featured an arts-and-crafts station where participants made personalized bookmarks, charms, and other teaching-themed decorative accessories. The future educators in attendance also explored picture books and considered how they could be integrated into lessons across different learning levels.
One student at the event remarked, “I learned how to better understand children and support their growth and learning in many different ways.”
Students who attended the Education Expo left with new ideas and perspectives for their future classrooms. Many reflected on the importance of self-reflection, intentional planning, and inclusive practices. The experience also allowed Future Educators of Color leaders and members to strengthen their event planning and teamwork skills, preparing them for future initiatives.
