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March 15, 2018

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

 
 
Student Spotlight
 
 
Sergio Espinoza 
 

Sergio from the South Side
Senior Sergio Espinoza is a secondary education minor who got into the field of education because, in his view, too few people of color are represented. When he graduates, he wants to teach English (his major) in a high school on the South Side of Chicago. "The South Side needs more teachers of color," said Sergio, who was president of Golden Apple - Illini last year. "I want to make an immediate impact on the lives of my students." Sergio's most lasting campus memories have occurred with friends in the College of Education, but in the classroom, Associate Professor Spencer Schaffner has made the biggest impression on him. "His class had the most unique syllabus I have ever had in my entire academic career," he said. "We learned about things that had immediate impact in the schools we were observing. Everything from learning about the difference in using a different-colored pen to grade with to a critique of a five-paragraph essay. They're all tools I reflect on."                    

Do you want to be featured in our Student Spotlight? Go here to submit your information! 

 
 
 

News to Use: Is it Better to Deal With or Disconnect From the News?

 
Scholarships and Awards
 
 

College of Education Undergraduate Scholarships Available
Application Deadline: April 6
The College of Education offers scholarships for undergraduate students who meet certain criteria. Awards are given on a competitive basis to students who acknowledge excellent academic achievement, display a commitment to their future profession, and participate in professional and service activities. Learn more...

 
Events
 
 

MSTE Friday Lunch Series Talk: No Homework? No Problem
March 30; Noon-1 p.m.
505 E. Green St., Classroom 201
Can AP statistics be taught, learned, and mastered without doing homework? Surprisingly, the answer is a resounding "Yes," at least according to Amar Patel, who as an Illinois student worked at the Office for Mathematics, Science, & Technology Education. Now a teacher at James B. Conant High School, Patel will offer his insights at this free talk. Learn more...

 
Career and Professional Development
 
 

Several Job Openings Available at Career Center
The Career Center at Illinois is hiring for the following positions:

Student Summer Internship
Graphic Design and Multimedia Intern
Videographer and Photographer
Social Media and Digital Communications Intern
Marketing and Communications Intern

Allerton Park Hiring Students for Summer Positions
Allerton Park & Retreat Center (515 Old Timber Road, Monticello)
The Allerton Park & Retreat Center in Monticello is looking for a day-camp leader and director to assist at camps this summer. Contact Mindy Brand at brand@illinois.edu or 217-333-3287, extension 113, for inquiries.

 
Study Abroad
 
 
 Study abroad in Greece!
 

Study Abroad Opportunities in
Greece and China!

Greece
May 24 - June 22

During this trip, students will experience unique opportunities to visit refugee camps and see various urban sites. They will also participate in a children's festival, hear lectures from Greek and American scholars, and collaborate with Greek students while doing project field work. Learning and cultural tours will take place in Athens, Olympia, Delfoi, and Nafplion. Learn more...  

China
May 26 - June 10

This two-week study abroad trip to China will take place in Beijing, Xian, and Chongquing. Student participants will visit Chinese schools and meet with teachers to learn about the country's culture and education. The $3,000 cost of the trip includes airfare, housing, most meals, lectures, airport transfer, ground transport, and tourist activities. Learn more...

Both of these programs are associated with a full-credit eight-week online course.  

 
Happenings and Deadlines
 
 

Freshmen in STEM Fields Needed for Video Game Study
The Department of Educational Psychology is seeking freshmen who consider themselves experts at the game Minecraft. This is an opportunity to work with scholars in the department to help bridge the gap between sandbox video games and STEM interests. Students who participate in the approximately one-hour interview will receive a $10 Amazon gift card for their efforts. Those interested can fill out a prescreening survey to see if they qualify.

Participate in Image of Research Competition
Submission Due Date: March 27
The Undergraduate Image of Research competition is a multidisciplinary contest that celebrates the diversity and breadth of undergraduate research at Illinois. All undergraduate students are invited to submit entries that include an image and brief text, the latter of which should articulate how the image relates to the research. Entries will be judged on the image-text-research connection, originality, and visual impact. All entries will be on display at the Undergraduate Research Symposium happening April 19. Learn more...

Submit Recipe to European Union Center Cookbook
Submission Deadline: March 23
Calling all foodies: In celebration of International Week, the European Union Center is inviting students to help make good food go global by submitting a recipe for a meal that is native to a European Union country. Submit your recipe today.

Office Seeking I-STAR Applicants for Summer and Fall
The Office of Undergraduate Admissions has both summer and fall positions available for Illinois Student Admissions Representatives, also known as I-STARs. These positions include multiple responsibilities such as checking students in and speaking with new students and their parents during summer and fall registration programs. The office is looking for University of Illinois-loving students who are articulate, flexible, reliable, energetic, and positive. Contact Katie Wiles at kpoll11@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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