Future educators at Albany State University are preparing for the crucial transition from college to the classroom.

A group of ASU students, who are aspiring educators, will be officially inducted into the profession Friday, May 9, at the Educator Preparation Program’s annual “PENning” ceremony at 4 p.m. in the JC Reese Multipurpose Room, located on campus.

The Professional Embracing the Novice (PEN) ceremony is designed to welcome beginning teachers into the field by providing vital mentoring support from retired and veteran educators.

“Mentoring and coaching from veteran teachers is critical to the successful development of a new teacher,” said Dr. Kimberly Suress Gaiters-Fields, interim dean for the ASU College of Education.  “Through the mentoring process, novice teachers are provided a comfortable space to maximize their professional potential, develop skills, improve performance and become the professional educator they desire to become.”

PENning ceremony inductees are undergraduate students from the College of Education who have completed the initial certification program in teacher education.

“Well-designed and implemented induction programs create opportunities for novice teachers to learn from the best practices of their veteran colleagues and analyze and reflect on their teaching. “In turn,” Fields said, “working with novice professionals keeps currently practicing teachers up-to-date on new research about how children learn, emerging technology tools for the classroom, new curriculum resources, and more.”

The induction program is held each fall and spring semester. Newly minted inductees are encouraged to contact their “PENning” mentor to seek guidance, advice and support.

For more information about the ceremony, please contact Hilda Lucas in the ASU College of Education at (229) 430-1718.