Published March 11, 2022
Just over three years since the University of Louisiana Monroe launched the Educators
Rising pilot program in two local high schools, more than 75 future educators and
guests are expected on Thursday, March 17, for the first ULM Educators Rising Campus
Day – and a new scholarship opportunity supported by Regions Bank is enabling more
future educators to launch successful careers.
Students, administrators, and personnel from three partner school districts will learn
more about becoming professional educators during the March 17 event. Participating
high schools are Monroe City Schools – Neville, Wossman and Carroll, Caldwell Parish,
and Richland Parish.
"In Louisiana, there is a critical shortage of qualified and committed teachers. From
the success of Educators Rising, we developed the first Pre-Educator Pathway program
in the state for high school students."
Dr. Amy Weems
Assistant Professor
School of Education
"It's a day where attendees can attend education classes with our currently enrolled
students, participate in panel discussions, learn about careers in education, and
showcase their own presentations related to current topics in education,” said organizer
Amy Weems, Ed.D., Associate Professor of Education.
"In Louisiana, there is a critical shortage of qualified and committed teachers. From
the success of Educators Rising, we developed the first Pre-Educator Pathway program
in the state for high school students. The goal was to create a comprehensive education
pathway that includes key content and development of skills to prepare high school
students for their transition in a teacher preparation program such as the ULM School
of Education," Weems said.
The event will be based in The Hangar on the second floor of the Student Union Building.
President Ron Berry will open the day by welcoming the Educators Rising guests. The
closing keynote speaker will be Louisiana Principal of the Year 2019 Eric Davis, Ed.D.,
principal of Carroll High School at 1:15 p.m.
Following the closing speaker, a press conference to announce a $100,000 grant from
Regions Bank will conclude the campus visit day. The five-year grant will provide
two Regions Bank ULM Educators Rising Program Scholarships per year and assist in
retaining students in the School of Education. Special guest will be Kevin Smith of
Regions Bank, who will encourage students in their choice to pursue education as a
lifework and offer insight into Regions’ commitment to invest in Educators Rising.
“Education and workforce readiness are two of Regions Bank’s top priorities for uplifting
and supporting our communities. They are key to building inclusive prosperity and
ensuring more people have more opportunities to succeed,” said Smith, Monroe market
executive for Regions. “Often the difference between those who succeed, and those
who do not, is whether they can access the training they need to launch a career.
We know these scholarships will help empower ULM students with the tools they need
to become excellent educators of tomorrow.”
Regions Bank Scholarship recipients must be in good standing with the university and
have a 2.5 GPA. Recipients must have completed a Regions Bank ULM Educators Rising
partner program. The scholarships are renewable if a 2.5 GPA is maintained up to a
maximum of eight total semesters for incoming freshmen only. All other recipients
may receive the scholarship for the remaining semesters needed to complete a four-year
degree.
For more information about the ULM Pre-Educator Pathway or Educators Rising, contact
Weems at weems@ulm.edu or 318-342-1280.
About ULM Pre-Educator Pathway
The ULM Pre-Educator Pathway was recognized by the Louisiana Department of Education,
Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. In 2020, the program was adopted statewide
by the Louisiana State Workforce Commission Workforce Investment Council.
About Regions Financial Corporation
Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $163 billion in assets, is a member
of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of
consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, and mortgage products and services.
Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary,
Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,300 banking offices and more than 2,000 ATMs.
Regions Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. Additional information about
Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.
About Educators Rising
Educators Rising is a nonprofit organization designed to cultivate future educators
by providing college-credit classes, support, and guidance while still in high school
and through university graduation. The National Education Association, National Board
for Professional Teaching Standards, and the Walton Family Foundation are among its
partners.
