Aspiring teachers from across Kansas traveled to Topeka on Nov. 1–2, for the KNEA Aspiring Educators Fall Conference, a weekend focused on learning, connecting, and preparing for life in the classroom.
President of the Pittsburg State University’s Aspiring Educators chapter Aidan McKernan, a junior elementary education major, said the conference gave her a clearer picture of what it means to enter the teaching field today.
“It really helped us understand what’s ahead,” McKernan said. “Hearing directly from teachers who are in schools right now makes everything feel more real. It makes you think about the kind of teacher you want to be and how you’re going to show up for your students.”
The event kicked off with a networking dinner on Nov. 1, followed by a full day of workshops and discussions at the KNEA headquarters. Students heard from teachers, union leaders, and education advocates about supporting students, building inclusive classrooms, and navigating the first years of teaching.
McKernan said one of the most valuable parts was learning about the support systems that exist for educators and the importance of working together.
“Teaching is not something you do alone,” McKernan said. “Having a community around you matters. We need each other, and this conference really highlighted that.”
McKernan said that many education majors struggle financially while completing required teaching hours without pay, and student leaders across Kansas are advocating for change.
“There are future teachers who love this work but simply can’t afford unpaid student teaching,” McKernan said. “If we want good teachers in schools, we have to support them while they’re preparing to enter the classroom.”
McKernan was also recently selected for the NEA’s Jack Kinnaman Scholarship, becoming only the second Kansas student to receive the award. She said the scholarship will help her focus fully on her training and continue advocating for other future educators.
“It takes a huge weight off,” McKernan said. “It’s encouraging to know that the work we’re doing matters and that people believe in us.”
McKernan said the weekend left her feeling motivated and more connected to her purpose as a future educator.
“At the end of the day, we all want the same thing for students to feel supported and cared for,” McKernan said. “This reminded us why we’re doing this and how important it is to lead with empathy.”