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January 18, 2018

The Update is a student newsletter for undergraduate
majors and minors in the College of Education at Illinois.

 
 
Student Spotlight
 
 

Check out how some of your peers in the
College of Education spent winter break!

 
Nia Curtis 
 

Nia Curtis
Sophomore/Elementary Education
Nia spent winter break helping her mom prepare for a four-month trip to Africa, and she watched Travelers on Netflix.                     

 
Cameron Davis 
 

Cameron Davis
Freshman/Elementary Education
Cameron went snowboarding in Colorado with her family. 

 
Lexi Gardocki and Dani Nichols 
 

Lexi Gardocki
Junior/Learning and Education Studies
Lexi (left in photo) visited Nashville with her family and prepared for her semester abroad. In this photo, she is accompanied by Dani Nichols (see Dani's photo below) in front of a building at the University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain. 

 
Kevin Ho 
 

Kevin Ho
Junior/Secondary Education
Kevin (in front in photo) had a productive winter break teaching kids at Monument Valley High School in Kayenta, Arizona. During his stay, he got to know wonderful students and went on numerous hiking adventures.

 
Lexxi Johnson 
 

Lexxi Johnson
Junior/Secondary Education
Lexxi (third from right in photo) had fun eating, shopping, and spending time with family.

 
 
 

Teagan Lyke
Freshman/Special Education
Teagan (left in photo) went skiing in Michigan and worked at a program for adults with special needs.

 
Anna Maturski 
 

Anna Maturski
Junior/Elementary Education
Anna visited Kayenta, Arizona, to teach in a second-grade classroom on a Navajo reservation.

 
Dani Nichols 
 

Dani Nichols
Sophomore/Elementary Education
Dani rang in the New Year in Nashville with family and friends.

 
Natalie O'Callaghan 
 

Natalie O'Callaghan
Junior/Elementary Education
Natalie (second from right in photo) is a senator in Illinois Student Government and attended the Association of Big Ten Students Winter Conference at Michigan State University.

 
Grace Oberg 
 

Grace Oberg
Freshman/Special Education
One of the things Grace (on top in photo) did during winter break was head to JCPenny for a photo shoot with friends.

 
Ellen Reckamp 
 

Ellen Reckamp
Freshman/Middle Grades
Ellen traveled to Italy and observed incredible art and architecture.

 
Jackie Shannon 
 

Jackie Shannon
Junior/Elementary Education
Jackie played with her puppy, saw friends, and visited Adler Planetarium.

 
Heather Staples 
 

Heather Staples
Sophomore/Special Education
Heather traveled to Phoenix to spend time with her family.

 
Victoria Susberry 
 

Victoria Susberry
Junior/Elementary Education
Victoria visited Israel during winter break.

 
 

News to Use: Learn Lessons from Elders to Avoid Mistakes

 
Events
 
 
 Getting Started in Research Workshop at the College of Education
 

Getting Started in Research Workshop
Jan. 19; 3-4:30 p.m.
Education Building, Room 333

Staff members from the Office of Undergraduate Research will discuss at this workshop various forms of undergraduate research that takes place on campus. In addition, students will learn how to locate research opportunities on campus and ways to contact faculty research mentors. Please register in advance of the workshop, which is limited to 50 applicants. Pizza will be served!

Opportunities Fair
Jan. 23; 5-6:30 p.m.
The Career Center (715 S. Wright St., Champaign)

At this event, students will learn about job and internship offerings on campus and visit with campus units that are hiring. The Opportunities Fair will also include games, prizes, and a chance to win a free Amazon Fire tablet. Learn more...  

Vis-A-Vis Holding Tutoring Registration Nights
Jan. 23 and 24; 6-8 p.m.
University YMCA and YWCA (1001 S. Wright St., Champaign)

The Vis-A-Vis organization on campus offers students tutoring opportunities in local elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. Placements in all subjects and grade levels are available, and the group is always looking for passionate volunteers. Sign up to volunteer at one of the registration nights or email askvisavis@gmail.com for inquiries.

Student Education Association Holding Informational Meeting
Jan. 24; 7-8 p.m.
Architecture Building (608 Lorado Taft Drive, Champaign), Room 302

All future educators are welcome to attend this informational meeting. The Student Education Association provides students with opportunities to learn about the issues teachers face while helping them become the best educators possible. Learn more about the group. 

Dean's Diversity Talk: Undocumented to Hyperdocumented
Jan. 25; Noon-1 p.m.
Illini Union, Room 104

One of the strategies that undocumented students have employed to earn citizenship is to academically achieve. In this talk, scholar Aurora Chang from Loyola University Chicago will share the lessons she learned during her transition from an undocumented immigrant from Guatemala to a hyperdocumented academic in the U.S. Learn more...

Discover Ins and Outs of Studying Abroad
Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange will host three events in the coming weeks—two open houses and one informational session—that will assist students who are contemplating studying overseas:

Jan. 25 - Study Abroad Open House
Jan. 31 - Funding Your Study Abroad Experience Info Session
Feb. 9 - Study Abroad Open House

Understanding Change in Mathematical Thinking
Feb. 2; 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Education Building, Room 22

This three-part talk by University of Wisconsin-Madison scholar Martha W. Alibali will consider students' perceptions and actions that enrich conceptions of mathematical thinking, learning, and instruction. The talk will have implications for future teachers and is ideal for undergraduates who want to become exposed to research. Learn more...

 
Career and Professional Development
 
 

2018 International Education Career Fair
Jan. 30-31
North and South Lobbies of Education Building

2018 International Education Career Fair
The College of Education is hosting the 2018 International Education Career Fair for students and others who are interested in working overseas. It's a chance to meet and schedule interviews with schools from around the world and discuss opportunities with international organizations. The two-day event will also feature workshops on building résumés, as well as information about education culture and school practices abroad. Learn more and register.

SOAR Seeking Student Volunteers This Semester
The SOAR program (Student Opportunities for After-School Resources) is seeking tutoring assistance from University of Illinois students this semester. SOAR provides after-school enrichment at International Prep Academy in Champaign for Latina/o bilingual children in grades two through five. These students benefit from tutoring in reading and homework, and tutors will have the opportunity to gain cross-cultural awareness and relationship skills. Illinois students who are interested in helping must apply by Jan. 29. Learn more...

Operation Hope Seeking Community Tutors
Students who are looking to make a difference in Champaign-Urbana this semester can apply to be a tutor at Operation Hope. The organization is seeking tutoring assistance at Centennial and Central high schools. Watch a video to learn more and contact Sheldon Turner at turnersh@u4sd.org for inquiries.

Call Campus Career Center Before Cancelling That Class
The Career Center at Illinois strives to be a partner in the education of students. Before cancelling a certain class, talk with professional staff members of The Career Center—these individuals are available to provide workshops on a variety of topics. Request a workshop from the Workshop Catalog or contact Emma Andruczyk at eandrucz@illinois.edu for inquiries. 

High School Hiring Special Education Aide
Unity High School is looking for a special education aide to work with life-skills students in grades nine through young adult. Students in this program typically need support in all areas of their day, so experience in working with young adults with disabilities is preferred. Contact Janah Sudduth-Mottola at 217-485-3499 or sudduthj@unity.k12.il.us for inquiries. Interested candidates can also apply via email.

 
Happenings and Deadlines
 
 

Apply for Fred S. Bailey Scholarship
The Fred S. Bailey Scholarship provides awards for more than $100,000 in undergraduate financial aid to students who have demonstrated a deep commitment to service and action. Sign up for a Jan. 25 online informational session to ask questions and get advice about the awards, and view details about these available scholarships:

Undergraduate and Leadership Awards
International Travel Scholarship
Unpaid Internship Scholarship

Deadline for College of Education Spring Break Programs Extended
Students can sign up through Feb. 15 to earn course credit and learn about education in Italy, France, Spain, or Costa Rica. By taking advantage of this opportunity, participants will get to travel overseas and view the sights, meet preservice teachers, and build their global competency and outlook. Scholarships are available. Learn more and discover the spring break travel opportunities happening this year.

Discover Alpha Phi Omega This Semester
Students who are looking to make an impact on campus and diversify their experience prior to graduate school can attend three informational sessions this semester to learn about Alpha Phi Omega, one of the largest co-ed service fraternities in the nation. From a social standpoint, members of the campus APO chapter make connections with fellow students outside of their major. In addition, the fraternity engages in impactful campus and community service projects year round. View the info-session times and email recruitment@apo-aa.org for inquiries.

Submit Startup Idea in Cozad New Venture Competition
Application Deadline: Feb. 4
Next-generation entrepreneurs with startup ideas are encouraged to apply for and participate in the 2018 Cozad New Venture Competition. The contest is designed to inspire students to create new businesses, and team members are invited to create a venture centering on a topic of their choice. Cozad will help the winning projects ascend to the next level by providing funding and mentoring assistance. Learn more...

Participate in Undergraduate Research Symposium
Application Deadline: Feb. 16
The Office of Undergraduate Research is accepting submissions for the 2018 Undergraduate Research Symposium, which will take place April 19. The symposium is the signature event of Undergraduate Research Week (April 15-21) and offers an opportunity to show students, faculty, and staff from all disciplines the undergraduate research that's taking place on campus and its potential to affect the world. Learn more about Undergraduate Research Week and submit your research project. Email ugresearch@illinois.edu for inquiries.

Low-Cost Anxiety and PTSD Treatment Available on Campus
The Department of Psychology has low-cost treatment openings for students dealing with physical anxiety, social anxiety, fears, avoidance, uncontrollable worry, and anxiety related to events. Learn more about the Psychological Services Center on campus and call 217-333-0041 for more information or for a free screening appointment.

Learn the Art of the Argentine Tango
Jan. 22 - March 12
Channing-Murray Foundation Chapel (1209 W. Oregon St., Urbana)
Tango lessons will be available this winter for beginners and intermediate-level students. The fee for the eight-week course is $45, and no partners are required when signing up. Learn more and contact Joseph Grohens at grohens@illinois.edu for inquiries.

 
 
 

The Student Academic Affairs Office welcomes student input for issues of The Update.
Please submit your events, announcements, and comments via the links below.

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