On April 15, the future of Oklahoma classrooms stepped onto the Oklahoma State University campus as high school students with dreams of teaching explored degree programs, resources and opportunities that could shape their careers during Future Teacher Day.

A leader in teacher education, OSU is the top producer of educators in Oklahoma and offers a strong collection of degree pathways to the teaching profession. Future Teacher Day provided prospective students a unique opportunity to learn more about OSU's degree programs and to connect with current students and faculty. The event also featured an inspiring keynote address from current Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Melissa Evon.

Barry Hinson, an OSU education alumnus who currently serves as associate athletic director and director of name, image and likeness, opened the day with a special welcome. Hinson shared his passion for students and for OSU as a whole.

“We need people like you, who are so excited to get there, and when they get there, they have a huge impact,” Hinson said, encouraging students not only to pursue a career in teaching but to do so passionately. “I get to go to work every day, and I get to change somebody’s life.”

Hinson also expressed his gratitude and joy as part of the Cowboy family, emphasizing that students are the heart behind OSU and that the university’s priority is to pour into them in every way possible.

“You are absolutely the most important asset walking around this campus on a daily basis. You’re our greatest investment,” Hinson said. “We’ve got it going, and the party starts at the College of Education and Human Sciences.”

Patrick Smith, manager of prospective student services for the Watson Center for Student and Career Development in the College of Education and Human Sciences, advised students to pay attention to who teaches them outside of the classroom, reminding them that learning is an aspect not only of school, but also of life.

“Everybody teaches,” Smith said, making his point throughout a tidbit about all that his daughters teach him at home.

In her keynote, Evon encouraged students to pursue a career they think matters. Evon’s deep love for teaching was evident as she described the experiences she had as a child that made her want to become a teacher.

“How many of you want to be a teacher because of a teacher who has made an impact on you?” Evon asked, prompting nearly every student in the room to raise their hand in response.

Evon told stories about teachers she had who supported her through her most difficult years, as well as teachers who made her feel invisible or unwanted. She also explained how it feels to have a student remember your face and your impact long after they leave your classroom.

“I love being a teacher,” Evon said. “If you want the opportunity to change the world one student at a time, I hope you’ll choose education, and I hope you’ll choose Oklahoma education.”

The program also featured several breakout sessions designed to help students dive deeper into what it will take to make their teaching dreams a reality. Topics included how to make learning fun for students, what life is really like as a teacher, why every school subject is important for student learning, and much more.

Dillon Graham, P12 partnerships coordinator in OSU’s Office of Educator Support, shared information about financial support for educators at OSU. The Office of Educator Support provides a plethora of resources to support students pursuing education degrees.

The College of Education and Human Sciences offers nationally recognized professional education degree programs, including bachelor’s degrees in:

• Early Childhood Education
• Elementary Education
• Secondary Education
• Family and Consumer Sciences Education

In Fall 2026, the college is introducing an option in Middle Level Education for those interested in teaching 6th-8th graders. OSU will be the first in the state to offer this program. You can find a full list of professional education certification programs at OSU here.

Story By: Faith Frantz | faith.frantz@okstate.edu