TLES hosts first annual teacher education pinning ceremony

Dec. 10, 2019

student receiving a pin from teacher

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Over 40 College of Education and Human Development students participated in the first pinning ceremony and reception event at Western Michigan University this fall. Students received a WMU nametag with their name and title of Teacher Candidate to wear when they are in schools.

A pinning ceremony is an event to welcome students into their profession as they complete the final requirements for professional certification. At the end of their program, teacher education students gradually spend more time in K-12 classrooms as teacher candidates and less time on campus taking courses. This transition period is marked by significant professional development. The faculty, student success coaches and advisors in the College of Education and Human Development acknowledged this transition with a Teacher Education Pinning Ceremony.