On Friday, October 10, 2025, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) welcomed over 230 students and 30 community members to the 2025 Future Educators Summit. Hosted by the School of Education, the Office of Dual Enrollment, and Educators Rising, the event brought together high school juniors, seniors, and others curious about careers in education. Students spent the day exploring engaging presentations, interactive breakout sessions, and opportunities to connect with UWM students, faculty, and local education professionals.
The event was made possible through the hard work and coordination of Michaela Kaiser, Recruitment and Scholarship Coordinator in the School of Education. “The Future Educators Summit is a great opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to experience the realities and challenges of the ever-changing world of education,” she explained. “Most of the students who attend are currently enrolled in college-credit education courses. Our goal is not only to foster their love for teaching and learning but also to help them understand that they can make a positive impact right now. They don’t have to wait until they graduate to start making a difference.”
The summit opened with a powerful message from Nasif Rodgers, Program Director for Educational Administration and Supervision, who inspired students to see themselves as future change-makers and to truly “Embrace Their Role as Revolutionary Educators.”
Students explored a variety of breakout sessions tailored to their interests, diving into topics that sparked conversation and creativity. Panels ranged from empowering discussions like Students’ Perspectives—They Really Do Matter! with Angel Hessel, Distinguished Lecturer in the Elementary and Middle Education Program, and Incorporating Student Voice and Advocacy in the Classroom with Nate Deans Jr., Manager III of Black and Latino Male Achievement through Milwaukee Public Schools, to forward-thinking sessions such as AI and Teaching Today with Shevaun Watson, Associate Professor of English, and PhD candidates Ryan Vojtisek and Matthew Cooper—along with many other engaging panels throughout the day.
Students left the summit feeling uplifted and encouraged. A Hmong American Peace Academy senior shared, “I felt inspired by each and every word that I heard today… to never give up and always move forward even when things get difficult.” Another student reflected, “Something cool that I heard was how we as future educators need to understand our worth and value in the world.”
Through interactive sessions and activities, the summit helped students explore what UWM’s School of Education has to offer and how it can guide them as they take their next steps toward their futures. With opportunities to connect with current UWM students, alumni, faculty, and community partners, participants were encouraged to envision themselves as part of the new generation of revolutionary educators.