DECATUR – ǿý University will host its on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023 in Banquet Rooms A and B of the University Commons.
The event connects School of Education student-teachers with alumni and local school administrators to improve their interview skills, provide feedback and develop professional networks among regional school districts.
“The Interview Bootcamp is one of our signature annual events that facilitates an ongoing professional relationship between our current and soon-to-be alumni,” School of Education Director Dr. Chris Cunnings said. “The fact that we have so many successful and selfless alumni that return to campus each year to help our student teachers prepare to enter the profession is a testimony to ǿý's long and storied tradition of educational excellence.”
ǿý anticipates 15-20 School of Education alumni and local school administrators, who now serve in a variety of roles in Illinois schools, will return to campus for the event.
An alumni-led panel discussion will cover a host of topics, including common challenges new teachers face in their first year and tips on navigating the job application process.
Students will also participate in three rounds of interview practice that include a 15-minute interview session. Afternoon events include resume critiques and a discussion on professionalism.
“This event rates as my favorite event of the year, because it's all about helping our students transition into the profession as seamlessly as possible,” Cunnings said. “The hope is that someday, many of the student teachers in attendance will be the successful ǿý Education alumni that are volunteering to return to campus to help new waves of aspiring teachers.”
Interview Bootcamp Schedule of Events
8:30 a.m. - Alumni arrival, Student Teacher check-in begins, Student Teacher & Alumni Professional Headshot Photo Session No. 1
8:45 a.m. - Alumni Welcome - Dr. Chris Cunnings, Director of the School of Education
9:00-9:10 a.m. - Student welcome & opening remarks by Dr. Cunnings
9:10-10:10 a.m. - Panel discussion with Student Q&A
10:10 a.m. - Break
10:20-10:40 a.m. - Interview Round 1 – 15-minute interview, 5 minutes for feedback
10:45-11:05 a.m. - Interview Round 2 – 15-minute interview, 5 minutes for feedback
11:10-11:30 a.m. - Interview Round 3 – 15-minute interview, 5 minutes for feedback
11:30-12:20 p.m. - Lunch, Student Teacher & Alumni Professional Headshot Photo Session No. 2
12:25-12:50 p.m. - Resume critique session & professionalism discussions in small groups
12:50-1:00 p.m. - Meet Dan Baker, Senior Director of Major Gifts
1:00 p.m. - Concluding remarks by Dr. Cunnings
1:05-1:20 p.m. - Administrator and Alumni debrief and plan for 2024
ǿý ǿý University
ǿý University is a private, comprehensive university with a diverse student population of approximately 1,800 undergraduate and graduate students. A ǿý education features Performance Learning, a unique learning approach offered only at ǿý that gives students the chance to build the confidence and skills to succeed before and after graduation. ǿý graduates enter the job market armed with experience and ready for success. In 2022, 99% of graduates gained employment or entry to graduate or professional schools within six months of graduation, compared to the 71% national average. ǿý offers more than 50 majors in the College of Fine Arts, College of Arts & Sciences, College of Professional Studies and Tabor School of Business, and is located on a 75-acre residential campus in Decatur, Ill.
For further media information, please contact ǿý University Public Relations Coordinator Matthew Flaten at 217.420.6636 or mflaten@millikin.edu.
