More than 100 peer educators and mentors recently gathered in the Learning Commons of the Perry Castañeda Library for the second annual Leading & Learning Student Educator Forum sponsored by the Sanger Learning Center and BeVocal. For Jim Hall, a senior chemistry major and Sanger Learning Center tutor, the forum, “was a wonderful way to stay abreast of facilitation methods and learn respectful ways of approaching difficult topics that may arise while working as a student educator.”
Dr. Richard Reddick, associate professor in educational leadership and policy, opened the forum by discussing leading and learning towards a career in higher education, and sharing stories of the mentors he met working as an orientation advisor and resident assistant while an undergraduate at UT. Jasmine Jones, a junior biology major and member of the Student Advisory Board responsible for planning the forum, was inspired by Reddick’s address. “Dr. Reddick’s presentation on failing forward, imposter syndrome, and dealing with bias was very inspirational and helped validate my place and experiences on campus as a young black woman.”
Student presenters from across campus provided engaging workshops about campus resources, presentation and facilitation skills, and balancing their roles as peers and educators. Breakout sessions at the forum included presentations from the Leadership and Ethics Institute, HealthyHorns, Peers for Pride, and more. During lunch, participants heard from Mehraz Rahman, UT Plan II senior and student body vice president. Rahman emphasized the importance of destigmatizing mental health discussions and encouraged attendees to prioritize self-care, not only for the students they mentor but also for themselves.
Paige Schilt, director of the Sanger Learning Center, is committed to investing in future forums. “The Student Educator Forum is a remarkable opportunity for students to claim their expertise and begin to think of themselves as leaders on campus. This kind of capstone experience will help prepare them for the job market, where they’ll be able to talk about the transferable skills they developed as student educators.”
