Educators Rising is a club at Carterville High School that strives to shape the future of education. The purpose of Educators Rising is to help students develop the strong leadership skills that are needed to be an educator. Students participate in a variety of activities, such as team building, teaching lessons, and working on soft skills. 

The sponsor of Educators Rising is English teacher, Mr. Coleman. When asked why he started the club, Mr. Coleman responded with, “Why not?!?!? It is a great club for individuals who want to explore the realm of education, but it has become more than that. It is a room full of kind people who accept each other and support each other. Why wouldn’t you want to join a club filled with people who want to make the world a better place?” 

The club has grown significantly in the last three years. In 2020, the club had roughly eight members. This school year, the club has a whopping 29 members. Next year, the club is hoping to increase its membership even more.

The club is not only a club for students who want to be educators but also for those who want to work in human services. Senior Hannah Lavender said, “Educators Rising, for me, is an opportunity for future educators and those who share a love for teaching to get together and implement their talent of teaching others. It is also a club in which new relationships are formed and strengthened through a shared love for educating the youth. I’ve learned so much about the art of teaching and just how important it is for future generations.”

Educators Rising has guided many students in the pursuit of a career in education. Over the years, multiple students involved in the club have received scholarships from the Southern Illinois Future Teachers Coalition in the amount of $1,000. “Educators Rising has guided me to be a teacher by showing me everything you can do as a teacher. This includes, but is not only limited to, helping kids, connecting with your class, and of course, making school fun for not only the students, but for the teacher as well,” said Ayden Gill, junior at Carterville High School.

The club has also taken multiple field trips to SIU. On October 17th, the club will be traveling to Carbondale to attend SIU Day, where members will network with other school districts. 

A huge issue in schools around the country today is teacher shortages. The country is in need for more educators. Mr. Coleman stated that “We are trying to fill this issue with passionate and enthusiastic individuals. Education needs great humans to make great humans and my students are as great as it comes.” Students at Carterville High School are working to defeat this national crisis. 

The bottom line is that while teaching can be a challenging, demanding job, for those who are looking to make a difference in the world, it can be one of the most rewarding and satisfying professions. Educators Rising… a club of believers, motivators, innovators and educators.