Since its inception in 2014, the Dream to Teach program at Des Moines Public Schools (DMPS) has introduced minority students to a profession where minorities are largely underrepresented. Dream to Teach has chapters in seven of the 10 district middle schools and all five of the district’s high schools. The Dream to Teach program introduces minority students to the field of education. Additionally, Dream to Teach students have opportunities to explore this profession.
One of these opportunities is visiting college campuses. Last week, over 30 Dream to Teach students, from all five DMPS high schools, came to Drake University. Students got a firsthand look at the college experience. Ryan Wise, Dean of the School of Education, kicked off the event by highlighting the importance of students being able to see and interact with teachers that look like them. Kevin Lam, Associate Professor of Urban and Diversity Education, shared insights into his path to becoming an educator. Dream to Teach students participated in a Q&A session with a Drake student panel. Students making up the panel included Morgan Coleman, Megan Lee, Brian Orellána, and Kayera Melton. These Drake students answered questions about their journey to college, their experience on campus, and their plans for the future.
No trip to Drake University would be complete without a chance to meet our live mascot, Griff II. To conclude their trip, students went on a brief tour of campus and had lunch in the dining hall. 