UMaine celebrates future teachers with inaugural pinning ceremony

Several students were recently recognized during the University of Maine’s first-ever pinning ceremony for aspiring teachers, hosted by the College of Education and Human Development. Front from left are Joseph Ray-Smith, Marion Murray, Sylvia Valentin, Kahlysta Morris and Nilan Rivers. Back from left are Matthew Eastman, Emily Ernst, Jacob Clark, Sarah Hellen, Rylee Kent, Emma Brusie, Tyler Kahkonen, Hannah Marie Blackwood, Mackenzie Gagnon, Rachel Brask and Lanie Christianson. University of Maine photo

ORONO — The University of Maine College of Education and Human Development recently celebrated students who have chosen teaching as a career with its first ever pinning ceremony, according to a news release from Casey Kelly at the UMaine.

“Teachers transform individuals, schools, organizations and communities for the better. I can think of no more noble aspiration, nor can I recall a time that your commitment to the teaching profession has been more needed,” said Penny Bishop, dean of the College of Education and Human Development, in her remarks.

During the ceremony, students who have recently achieved teacher candidacy received a pin in the shape of an apple with the UMaine “M” logo and the word “Education” on it. Teacher candidates are those who have reached the point in their academic career — usually during their sophomore or junior year — when they are able to start taking upper-level courses and have shown a commitment to becoming a teacher.

“Teaching is one of the few fields where students typically do not have paid internships,” Bishop noted. “Giving our students a pin is not going to solve that issue. But we want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that goes into becoming a teacher.”

She added that UMaine and other teacher preparation programs throughout the state are working on projects, such as pathway programs and teacher residency initiatives, to help education students find paid work while they’re in school.

“The hope is that, cumulatively, these efforts will help address teacher shortages and other challenges facing K-12 education in Maine schools and communities,” she said.

Other speakers included Rep. Holly Sargent, a member of the Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, and UMaine alumnus Jon Doty, assistant superintendent of Regional School Unit 34, the school district for Old Town, Alton and Bradley. Doty was presented the inaugural Robert A. Cobb Award for Extraordinary Service to the College of Education and Human Development, named for the dean of the college from 1977 to 2007.

For more information about the ceremony, visit umaine.edu.