Area students in seventh through 12th grades are invited to attend the 10th annual Missouri Educators for Tomorrow’s Schools (MoETS) Conference Sept. 18 at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP).

Hosted by the Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) Program, the conference will begin with check-in at 9 a.m. in room 112 of Melton Hall, 129 Garfield Ave. The event will end at 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

The conference is open to students who are interested in becoming teachers, according to ReBena Atkinson, instructor and director of the AAT Program.

“This event was created to empower learners and future educators through hands-on experiences and local inspiration,” Atkinson said. “It is our community’s step toward solving the teacher shortage and shaping a brighter future for our schools.”

What you’ll do

Those who attend will participate in a mini professional development day. They will choose between several high-interest breakout sessions presented by teachers from across the region.

Some of the topics that will be covered during the conference include dual credit opportunities, the AAT Program and the Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (BSED) degree program offered by Missouri State Outreach at MSU-WP.

Those attending also will learn more about the TJ Swift House ASCEND Program, changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid opportunities.

For more information about the conference, contact Atkinson at 417-255-7904 or email ReBenaAtkinson@MissouriState.edu.