Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education hosted its sixth annual Lamp of Learning Ceremony on Sept. 2. The event marks the official induction of teacher education candidates into their respective majors and the beginning of professional field experiences. Forty-two teacher education candidates received their clinical badge at the event. The badge symbolizes the candidate’s readiness to enter field placements and lead lessons within the classrooms where they will be placed.
Candidates represented the Early Childhood, Special Education, Elementary, Elementary Collaborative (ESEC) program; Secondary Education program; and the Elementary Education with a concentration in Christian Missions program.
The Lamp of Learning event is designed to encourage candidates entering their clinical placements to pursue their calling without hindrance. Based on Luke 8:16, candidates are challenged to radiate their light and the love of Christ to those around them.
Samford School of the Arts alumna and long-time partner of Orlean Beeson School of Education Alisha Serayunge, co-founder and executive director of Terra Nova Academy in Kampala, Uganda, served as the guest speaker. Serayunge reminded candidates to lean in and show up.
“You are brave and this calling into your work is going to be a difficult one,” said Serayunge. “The road is not easy. As someone who has been in education, my encouragement is to fall and fail often because it’s then that you’ll really know you’re still learning.”
This fall and in semesters to follow, candidates will be placed in classrooms with cooperating teachers who will aid them in developing their skills and expose them to tangible experiences. These field experiences allow candidates to practice creating and implementing lesson plans, but it also provides an opportunity for candidates to develop strong relationships with students and staff members.
Internships and field experiences are a critical component of the educational experience in Samford’s Department of Teacher Education. Over the course of four years, candidates have the opportunity to work in a variety of diverse settings in multiple schools.