Rosenfield Program hosts education symposium Sept. 11-13

Grinnell College's Rosenfield Program in Public Affairs, International Relations, and Human Rights will host a three-day symposium, Sept. 11-13*, to discuss "Who Should Teach Our Children? Education and Democracy Worldwide."

The Office of the President and the Grinnell College Department of Education are co-sponsoring this symposium. Jean Ketter, professor of education, explains, "We have invited speakers who will provide different perspectives on teacher preparation and alternatives to traditional teacher prep programs. Our goal is to create a critical conversation centered on the current debate about teacher preparation and teacher quality in Iowa, the U.S., and internationally."

To build on that point, Sarah Purcell, director of the Rosenfield Program, said, "The liberal arts have something to contribute to this political debate about teacher certification and quality. This symposium will raise questions that need to be considered in looking at the future of educational systems in an ever-globalizing world. It will also allow students interested in pursuing careers in education to hear the stories and experiences of those in the field."

The three-day * symposium will include the following free, public events to be held in Room 101 of the Joe Rosenfield '25 Center on the Grinnell campus (unless otherwise noted):

• Tues., Sept. 11, noon *: "Education and Democracy Worldwide," a teaching panel, will feature two members of the Grinnell College faculty, as well as one alumnus. Jean Ketter, professor of education, George Drake, professor emeritus of history, Kesho Scott, associate professor of sociology, and Dan Covino, a 2010 Grinnell graduate and Grinnell High School teacher, will open the symposium. Lunch will be provided.
• Tues., Sept. 11, 4:15 p.m.: Jason Glass, director of the Iowa Department of Education, will discuss "Building a World-Class Education System for Iowa." Under Glass' leadership, the Department of Education has set goals to focus on the values of demonstrating courageous leadership, promoting innovation in education, and acting as a servant to schools and communities in Iowa.
• Tues., Sept. 11, 8 p.m.: Jim Wyckoff, Curry Memorial professor of education and policy, will present "Preparing Effective Teachers." Wyckoff has done extensive research on education policy and directs the Education Policy Ph.D. program and the Center on Education Policy and Workforce Competitiveness.
• Wed., Sept. 12, noon: Suzanne M. Wilson, a university distinguished professor, chair of the department of teacher education and director of the College of Education's Center for the Scholarship of Teaching at Michigan State University, will lead a Scholars' Convocation titled "The Wild World of Teacher Preparation: Evolution or Revolution?"
• Wed., Sept. 12, 4:15 p.m.: Helen Claire Sievers, executive director, WorldTeach, will discuss "Teaching in Developing Countries: Why Do It?" WorldTeach partners with governments and other organizations to provide volunteer teachers in developing countries.
• Wed., Sept. 12, 8 p.m.: "Social Justice Starts in the Classroom: Teach For America's Approach to Ending Educational Inequity," led by Lindsey Ciochina, senior managing director of Midwest recruiting at Teach for America.
• Thurs., Sept. 13, 4:15 p.m.: A post-graduate teaching and service fair on the 2nd floor of the Joe Rosenfield '25 Center will provide an opportunity for students to learn about Teach For America, the Peace Corps, Grinnell's Teaching Certification Program, MAT Programs, and others.
• Thurs., Sept. 13, 5 p.m.: A reception and round-table discussion of insights from the symposium will include Paul Hutchison, assistant professor of education; Deborah Gallagher, University of Northern Iowa; and Kevin Seney, Grinnell High School principal.

For more information about the September education symposium, contact Sarah Purcell, purcelsj@grinnell.edu, 641-269-3091. Grinnell welcomes and encourages the participation of people with disabilities. Information on parking and accessibility is available on the college website. Accommodation requests may be made to Conference Operations at 641-269-3235 or calendar@grinnell.edu.

* Date and time for "Education and Democracy Worldwide" has changed from Mon., Sept. 10, 4:15 p.m. to Tues., Sept. 11, noon, making the symposium three days instead of four.