Future Teachers Help School of Education Series End on a High-Flying Note

On Nov. 18, the Makerspace in the School of Education wrapped up the Fall 2021 Digital Storytelling Series: Show, Tell, and Play on a high note. The last episode of this three-part series featured Darnell Singleton, the guest videographer demonstrating to teacher candidates how to plan a flight and prepare for safety measures in order to successfully capture aerial images and videos both inside and outside of the classrooms.

Joining this event were 17 juniors and seniors from St. Louis-area high school districts Lindbergh, Kirkwood, Fox, Oakville, Webster Groves and Seckman. These students are participating in specialized high school curricular experiences for students interested in pursuing a teaching career.

This event provided a great opportunity for high school students in the area to visit the Makerspace in the School of Education, meet with faculty, and talk to our teacher candidates. Basiyr Rodney, associate professor and chair of the Department of Teacher Education, was pleased with the community receptiveness to the flying drone cameras and the opportunity to expose both current and future educators to cutting-edge digital tools.

Given the success of this inaugural Fall 2021 Digital Storytelling Series, Stephanie Mahfood, associate professor and associate dean of the School of Education, added that planning for a Spring 2022 series built around a different theme has begun. The spring series will work to expand the connection and synergy between current and future teacher candidates via exploration of innovative pedagogical practices.