Silver Creek High School students sign commitment to IU Southeast Education Program

by Faye Camahalan, Dean School of Education

Like a Signing Day for student athletes where high school athletes commit to play for a university, three Silver Creek High School students attend the Signing Day in May 2024 to commit to pursuing their teaching degree at Indiana University Southeast.

Cami Daniel will be studying Special Education, Baylor Noblitt is focused on Secondary Education – Social Studies, and Taylor Smith will major in  Elementary Education – Mathematics

Cami Daniel, new student in Bachelor of Science in Special Education, and her family with Superintendent Chad Griggs, Chancellor Debbie Ford, and Dean Faye CamahalanCami Daniel wants to be a teacher because she is committed to working with students. She has the passion to engage students in learning and is excited to make a difference in their future. Daniel says she chose IU Southeast’s School of Education because she’s heard so much positive information about the program.

“I did cadet teaching in high school and several of the teachers were graduates of IUS. I wanted to stay within the area, serve and teach at our local schools. The best way to achieve all my goals is to seek a degree at IUS,” she said.

Prior to deciding to pursue a degree in Special Education, Cami spent 5 years teaching dance at a studio.

“I have always loved working with kids and encouraging them to learn and grow.”

Baylor Noblitt, new student in Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, and her family with Superintendent Chad Griggs, Chancellor Debbie Ford, and Dean Faye CamahalanBaylor Noblitt loves learning about history as it provides the context for how and why events occurred.

“I would love to teach the younger generations how history continues to influence the world today,” she said.

She chose IUS because the campus is beautiful, close to home, and offers affordable tuition. Baylor is excited to welcome new friends and embrace the college experience. She likes to talk about history and invites fellow students to share historical facts she might not know yet.

Taylor Smith, new student in Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education - Mathematic, and his family with Superintendent Chad Griggs, Chancellor Debbie Ford, and Dean Faye Camahalan

Taylor Smith has wanted  to be a teacher since he was 10-years-old. He says he was inspired to teach  because he always had amazing teachers who helped him, not by just teaching him in school, but also by helping him through life. He wants to help others the way his teachers helped him.

“I chose IUS because it is close enough to where I can still live at home and attend small enough classes to where I can feel comfortable asking questions (to my teachers and classmates),” he said. 

Dr. Chad Griggs, Superintendent of Silver Creek School Corporation, and Dr. Rob Willman, Principal of Silver Creek High School feel it’s important to highlight the seniors who are coming to IU Southeast and majoring in education.

“Congratulations to all students who aspire to be teachers,” said Dr. Willman in his message to students. “We are proud of you, and we celebrate you! Let us know in the future if you need anything from us. We are here to support you in your chosen career.”

Chancellor Debbie Ford, representing Indiana University Southeast, was invited to welcome the new Grenadiers. The students and their parents, with their teacher-mentors attended the event and simulated the “signing” to commit to Indiana University Southeast Education Program.

The Signing Day at Silver Creek High School was not just a symbolic event but a pivotal moment that encapsulated the beginning of the students’ exciting journey. It sets the stage for their future endeavors in academics and their college experience at Indiana University Southeast.

Congratulations and welcome to our new aspiring teachers!