Leadership & Membership Development
At the heart of our chapter is a strong commitment to developing confident, capable, and connected leaders. Through the Leadership & Membership Development pillar, we focus on providing opportunities for our members to grow as leaders within our chapter, on campus, and in the education profession.
From hosting engaging chapter meetings and leadership workshops to planning large-scale events and representing our chapter at the state and national levels, we empower members to take initiative, build valuable skills, and create meaningful connections. Whether it's through networking, mentorship, or hands-on leadership experiences, this pillar helps shape the next generation of educators who are ready to lead with purpose and passion.
Explore how we foster leadership and strengthen our chapter community below!
Instagram
Our chapter uses Instagram as a key tool for building community, fostering leadership, and keeping members informed and engaged. Through regular posts, stories, and interactive content, we highlight our events, celebrate member achievements, share important announcements, and promote opportunities for involvement. One of the proudest moments of the conference was receiving the Outstanding Chapter Event Award for our project, Literacy Under the Lights. This recognition reflects the creativity, dedication, and teamwork of our chapter members in promoting literacy and community engagement. Additionally, we are thrilled to share that four of our members were elected to leadership positions within the Midwestern Region Executive Board: Alex Cussins – Midwestern Region Vice President Zoe Moore – Midwestern Region Secretary Tony Marin – Midwestern Region PACE Director Hannah Rake – Midwestern Region House of Delegates Representative We couldn’t be prouder of their commitment to leadership and advocacy. Our chapter left the conference feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to continue making a difference in the field of education!
New Logo
This year, our chapter introduced a new logo as part of our efforts to strengthen our identity and create a cohesive, professional brand. A strong visual identity helps us stand out, enhances recognition, and builds a sense of pride and unity among our members. One of the proudest moments of the conference was receiving the Outstanding Chapter Event Award for our project, Literacy Under the Lights. This recognition reflects the creativity, dedication, and teamwork of our chapter members in promoting literacy and community engagement. Additionally, we are thrilled to share that four of our members were elected to leadership positions within the Midwestern Region Executive Board: Alex Cussins – Midwestern Region Vice President Zoe Moore – Midwestern Region Secretary Tony Marin – Midwestern Region PACE Director Hannah Rake – Midwestern Region House of Delegates Representative We couldn’t be prouder of their commitment to leadership and advocacy. Our chapter left the conference feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to continue making a difference in the field of education!
GroupMe!
Our chapter utilizes GroupMe as our primary source of communication, ensuring that all members stay informed, engaged, and connected. Through this platform, we share important announcements, event details, and reminders, making it easy for everyone to stay in the loop.
Activities Fair
At the start of the semester, our chapter participated in the Campus Activities Fair, a key opportunity to introduce new and returning students to SPSEA and everything we have to offer. Our members set up an inviting table, shared information about upcoming events, and engaged with potential new members to highlight the benefits of joining our organization.
Fall 2024 Meetings
Throughout the fall semester, our chapter hosted biweekly meetings that served as the foundation for planning major events like Literacy Under the Lights and other chapter initiatives. These meetings were not only a time for organizing and collaborating but also created a welcoming, safe space for members to connect, share ideas, and support one another. By coming together regularly, we strengthened our sense of community, fostered leadership opportunities, and ensured that every member had a voice in shaping the direction of our chapter. Our meetings were a space where future educators could feel valued, encouraged, and empowered—both personally and professionally. Below, you’ll find the meeting minutes and any PowerPoint presentations used throughout the semester, providing a record of our planning, discussions, and accomplishments.
SPSEA Calendar
A key part of keeping our chapter connected and engaged is our up-to-date chapter calendar. Through our calendar, members can easily stay informed about upcoming meetings, events, deadlines, and leadership opportunities. It serves as a central hub for everything happening within our chapter, making it simple for everyone to stay involved and plan ahead.
Celebration of Educators
Our chapter proudly hosted a Celebration of Educators event to recognize the hard work and dedication of our graduating student teachers and their mentor teachers. This special evening highlighted the powerful partnerships and positive impact educators have on the classroom and beyond.
Spring 2025 Meetings
This spring, our chapter continued hosting our regular biweekly meetings, but with an exciting new twist—interactive activities designed to bring members together in a fun and relaxing way! In addition to planning events and discussing leadership opportunities, we incorporated activities like vision boards, paint nights, bracelet making, and more to foster creativity, connection, and community.
Midwestern Region Mixer
Our chapter had an amazing time at the SPSEA Midwestern Region Mixer held at Camp Coffman! This event was the perfect opportunity for members from different chapters, to come together, connect, and build lasting relationships.
Emails
Clear and consistent communication is key to keeping our chapter organized and connected. Throughout the year, our chapter president sends out regular email updates to ensure all members stay informed about upcoming events, meeting reminders, leadership opportunities, and important announcements. These emails are a reliable source of information, providing details on how members can get involved, highlighting achievements, and reinforcing our chapter’s goals and mission. Effective email communication helps foster transparency, engagement, and a strong sense of community, ensuring every member feels included and up to date. It’s just one more way we prioritize strong leadership and support the development of an active, well-informed membership!
Golden Eagle Ed. Celebration
This fall, our chapter proudly hosted the Celebration of Educators event, a special evening dedicated to recognizing our student teachers' and mentor teachers' hard work, dedication, and achievements. Highlights of the event included the pinning ceremony for our graduating student teachers, symbolizing their transition from students to future educators. We were honored to welcome alumni keynote speakers who shared their experiences and advice, as well as an inspiring address from Dr. Jon Anderson, President of PennWest University, who spoke on the importance of leadership in education. Student teachers showcased their creativity and hard work through posters highlighting lessons they taught during their placements. Awards were presented to recognize outstanding efforts, including: Best Poster Design Most Innovative Teaching Strategy Most Engaging Lesson Plan Additionally, the evening concluded with the presentation of the Golden Teacher Educator of the Year Award, honoring a phenomenal mentor teacher who exemplified dedication, guidance, and excellence in the field. This event celebrated the commitment of all educators involved and highlighted the supportive community we are building for future teachers!
Spring 2024 Education Mixer
Our chapter participated in the Education Department Mixer, setting up a table to introduce students to SPSEA and the many opportunities available through our organization. It was a fantastic chance to connect with fellow education majors, share upcoming events, and highlight how involvement in SPSEA supports leadership, professional growth, advocacy, and community service. One of the proudest moments of the conference was receiving the Outstanding Chapter Event Award for our project, Literacy Under the Lights. This recognition reflects the creativity, dedication, and teamwork of our chapter members in promoting literacy and community engagement. Additionally, we are thrilled to share that four of our members were elected to leadership positions within the Midwestern Region Executive Board: Alex Cussins – Midwestern Region Vice President Zoe Moore – Midwestern Region Secretary Tony Marin – Midwestern Region PACE Director Hannah Rake – Midwestern Region House of Delegates Representative We couldn’t be prouder of their commitment to leadership and advocacy. Our chapter left the conference feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to continue making a difference in the field of education!
Back to School Kickoff
To kick off the fall semester, our chapter participated in the Back-to-School Kickoff Event and Outdoor Mixer, an exciting opportunity to welcome students back to campus and connect with new faces. The event featured yard games, music, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere, creating the perfect space for students to unwind and meet representatives from various campus organizations. We set up a table for SPSEA, sharing information about who we are, our upcoming events, and how students can get involved. It was a great chance to highlight the benefits of joining SPSEA—whether through leadership, professional development, or community engagement—while enjoying a lively afternoon of games and networking. This event helped us start the semester strong, building connections and getting students excited to be part of our chapter!