Teachers of Tomorrow is a student-lead organization at Grand Valley State University that helps underclassman pursuing a degree in education become connected with the College of Education, as well as help them prepare to enter the realm of education. The members of TOT make it a goal to connect with local schools, working with students of all ages through tutoring or after school activities. One particular school that Teachers of Tomorrow annually works with is Sibley Elementary, a school in the Grand Rapids Public Schools district. Members from the organization take turns reading stories to elementary students during after school hours, as well as create interactive activities for students to participate in that go along with the stories. The young students love having college students come read to them and facilitate different arts and crafts activities, and TOT members benefit tremendously from the experience as they learn to coordinate activities as a team of educators.

The organization is also taking on a new project this year that they hope to continue to coordinate in the years to come. Grand Valley State University’s College of Education is in the process of creating a grant that will supply new teachers who graduated from GVSU with new books to start a classroom library. Teachers of Tomorrow has gotten involved by designing a book drive and penny war among different departments and offices on campus to earn money and collect books for the cause. Their hope is that eventually all departments on campus will come together to provide literature that will be spread across the state and used to make a difference in the lives of young people.

Not only does Teachers of Tomorrow provide volunteer opportunities for GVSU students, but it also allows them to meet other students pursuing a degree in education that they will most likely work with during their time at the University. TOT is a friendly and upbeat organization that strives to meet the needs of all of its members and help them along their journey to becoming an educator. The organization would not be what it is without the financial support it receives from outside organizations, such as the Board of the State Chapter of PDK, and would like to thank them for their continued support.

– Sherie Williams, Grand Valley State University, February 2014 Newsletter