Hundreds of students gathered from both public and private schools around the Valley to learn more about career choices. They listened and took notes as different speakers provided information about career opportunities.

Sponsored by the Fresno Board of Education and held at Fresno State on March 20-21, the Teachers of Tomorrow program gave interested students a chance to investigate the profession of teaching.

“Teachers of Tomorrow encourages each high school to get students interested in the teaching profession,” Sharon Scharf, art teacher and supervisor of the event, said. “The event provided information to the students that will help them in becoming a teacher.”

Every school in the San Joaquin Valley was invited to participate in the seminar. This year, Scharf took four campus seniors to this event: Jonathan Tantraphol, Jon Wilborn, Jonathan Howard and Sam Westra.

During a particular seminar session, students were granted an in-depth look at the life of an elementary school teacher.

“Overall,” Tantraphol said, “I think that it was a great opportunity to really experience how it is to be a teacher. We learned by hearing, watching, writing and participating in activities.”

The students had a choice to attend five workshops on teaching.

“My favorite [was] the creative teaching workshop,” Howard said. “We learned different methods of how students learn. For example information stays in a learner’s mind by drawing a picture of what happened. We also used repetition to memorize a poem called “Alligator Soup.”

The students that attended the conference not only received the opportunity to learn more about teaching, but also were given a chance to interact with their classes.

“I loved that teacher who got us to sing and learn the alligator poem,” Wilborn said. ” It was so fun and she was a great speaker.”

For more information on learning to become a teacher, contact Scharf in room 625 or at 297-9464, ext. 159.” “Sharon Scharf” “While many students would never admit a career interest in teaching, seniors Jonathan Howard, left, Sam Westra, Jonathan Tantraphol and Jon Wilborn gave the profession a hard look at Fresno State on March 21. Students from across the Valley interacted with professional teachers and were given opportunities to interact with real classes.” “” “” “