For this issue of Kappan, we asked our Educators Rising students: What do you want your future colleagues to know about you and your generation? How can veteran teachers and administrators make you feel welcome in your new school?
Building a community
I want my future colleagues to know that I will bring a deep passion for equality, inclusivity, and innovation to my classroom. My future classroom will reflect the same views I held as a student myself. The world my generation grew up in was filled with rapid technological change and an almost insatiable demand for innovation and adaptation, and this will be reflected in our future classrooms. I want veteran teachers and administrators to know that they are respected, and as future teachers, we look forward to building on the strong foundations they already have in place.
Additionally, for veteran teachers and administrators, building a community is extremely important. The field of education changes every day, and not every brand-new idea or method of ours will be wrong. A classroom and school environment where everyone has each other’s backs will help us thrive as teachers, and our students will thrive too.
Owen Elsasser
Freshman
Wayne State College
Wayne, Nebraska
‘You belong here’
As a future educator, I want my colleagues to know that my generation is passionate, adaptable, and deeply committed to creating inclusive and equitable learning environments. We bring fresh perspectives, a strong understanding of technology, and a desire to collaborate and grow alongside others. It means a lot when veteran teachers and administrators take the time to mentor, listen, and create a supportive space where questions are encouraged and growth is celebrated. A simple “you belong here” goes a long way.
Haylie Johnson
Freshman
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, Connecticut
Pave my own path
As a future educator, one of the things that excites me most is the chance to learn from my colleagues and my future students. That’s why it’s important for me to become accustomed to the work environment, and I will gratefully accept the advice and suggestions of veteran teachers. However, I want my future colleagues to know that I intend to pave my own path in this profession by developing my own routines, building relationships, creating lesson plans, and developing a teaching style that works for me and my students. Allowing me to create my own approach will make me feel welcomed because I won’t be overwhelmed by the expectation to meet others’ standards. Instead, I can do what makes me comfortable and, most importantly, help my students succeed.
Roselyn McLaughlin
Junior
Waterbury Career Academy High School
Waterbury, Connecticut
Eager to take on the challenge
As a future educator, one of the things that excites me most is the chance to learn from my colleagues and my future students. That’s why it’s important for me to become accustomed to the work environment, and I will gratefully accept the advice and suggestions of veteran teachers. However, I want my future colleagues to know that I intend to pave my own path in this profession by developing my own routines, building relationships, creating lesson plans, and developing a teaching style that works for me and my students. Allowing me to create my own approach will make me feel welcomed because I won’t be overwhelmed by the expectation to meet others’ standards. Instead, I can do what makes me comfortable and, most importantly, help my students succeed.
I want them to know that we are so excited to be in the classroom. We know that there is a lot to learn, but we are eager to take on that challenge. Veteran teachers and administrators can do their part to make us feel welcome by encouraging us, reaching out to us, and helping us make it through our first year.
Allianna Walters
12th grade
Spanish Fork High School
Spanish Fork, Utah
Different doesn’t mean wrong
Our style may be different, but different doesn’t mean wrong. We were raised in a world shaped by constant change, and our environment has shaped our mindset when it comes to the classroom. As someone who found my passion and purpose through speech and debate, I believe in the power of communication, growth, and challenging the norm when needed. There’s so much to learn from veteran educators, but that exchange should go both ways. Our generation brings new perspectives, tools, and approaches because the world our students live in has changed.
Growth in education depends on embracing that change. Veteran teachers and administrators can make us feel welcome by valuing our voices, even when we do things differently. Invite us into the conversation, offer guidance, and be open to evolving together. This is how we will truly find the best way to fulfill our mission: helping students.
Faith Gonder
12th grade
Perry High School
Massillon, Ohio
This article appears in the Fall 2025 issue of Kappan, Vol. 107, No. 1-2, p. 79.
