| RSO Spotlight: Student Education Association |
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| Written by Melissa Castor, Daily Vidette Staff Writer |
| Tuesday, 01 September 2009 21:00 |
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The Student Education Association of ISU won the Outstanding Local Excellence Award for the third year in a row this summer during a student conference in San Diego, Calif. SEA provides future educators at ISU with valuable information as they pursue a career in education. In addition, SEA members network with those throughout all education levels and educators across the state. “…The Student Education Association at ISU is able to offer a great deal of experiences and opportunities pertaining to education,” Colleen Herald, SEA advisor and coordinator of clinical placement of teacher candidates, said. Through membership with SEA, students become a part of the Illinois Education Association and the National Education Association, with the NEA being the largest union in the world. The NEA also provides student teachers with $1 million in liability insurance for those completing their observations, student teaching and tutoring. Membership in SEA allows students eligibility for three different scholarships. The first is through SEA itself. The second is the NEA’s Jack Kinnaman Scholarship. The third provides students with a $1,000 scholarship from the Illinois Education Association. Katie Kreis, SEA president and junior Spanish education major, said, “It has really changed my college experience. I love this organization.” SEA also provides members with guest speakers and workshops, as well as service and social opportunities. “The state conferences teach you what they don’t teach you in the college of education: classroom management, disciplining children and dealing with parents,” Kreis said. “It’s cool to see what [other chapters] are doing … and how to take what they’re using back to us. It’s a lot of idea sharing.” In addition to developing useful skills, the SEA provides many social opportunities for its members. Herald said, “Joining SEA is a great way to meet new friends, participate in community service and learn about the world of education.” The SEA is planning a local conference set for Saturday, Oct. 10. The conference will feature professionals. Also, the dean of the college of education will be featured in an SEA meeting as well. “When people ask me about the organization, its hard for me to explain because I have so much love for this organization,” Kreis said. “I wouldn’t trade joining SEA for anything. It has made my college experience 100 times better,” she added. For more information, contact Katie Kreis at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the Web site at ieanea.org. |
