Community Leaders Become Educators for a Day at USD 308
HUTCHINSON, KANSAS – Community leaders from across Hutchinson joined USD 308 today to become “educators for a day” during a special event celebrating American Education Week.
On Thursday, November 18, 2021, twelve leaders from across Hutchinson toured USD 308 schools during the Educator for a Day event, and gathered as a group at a special feedback luncheon where they were able to share their experiences with district leaders.
Unlike typical school tours, Educator for a Day is an opportunity for community leaders to experience the school day first-hand through the eyes of an educator. They are encouraged to participate in classroom activities and interact with students and staff at their assigned schools. Participants were invited to join in music, P.E., math, and even had the opportunity to read their favorite books to classes.
Dave Sotelo, Human Relations Officer for the City of Hutchinson, was a participant in this year’s event. “Walk into any Hutchinson Public Schools classroom and you will see the magic happening,” said Sotelo, “We all talk about students coming into classrooms with all sorts of new challenges that make learning more difficult, but what we don’t talk about is what teachers are doing to meet those challenges. I got to see educators moving mountains to meet each student where they are. It’s truly magical.”
Educator for a Day is an annual event hosted by school districts around the country in celebration of American Education Week, which occurs the week before Thanksgiving each year. American Education Week has been celebrated since 1921, and serves as an opportunity for communities to engage, celebrate and collaborate with schools.
“Educator for a Day was a great opportunity to bring the community in to connect with our students and staff. We have so much to be proud of in USD 308! We hope this experience grows and we are able to continue to share our story and build relationships beyond our classrooms,” said Lynette McLean, principal of Wiley Elementary.
