APSU to host inaugural Aspiring Teachers Day for local high school students

By: Ethan Steinquest August 28, 2025

The Eriksson College of Education’s inaugural Aspiring Teachers Day will allow high school students to explore a variety of opportunities offered at Austin Peay State University, including the Jack Hunt STEM Center’s state-of-the-art science teaching resources. | Photo by Sean McCully

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - Austin Peay State University’s Eriksson College of Education will host its inaugural Aspiring Teachers Day from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Oct. 2, giving high school juniors and seniors a firsthand look at opportunities available through the university.

The free event is open to students who are currently enrolled in a Teaching as a Profession (TAP) program in their school district and will feature hands-on demonstrations, interactive sessions, and more.

“This event allows the College of Education to showcase what we can offer these potential students,” said Kevin Fee, coordinator of teacher licensure at APSU. “They’ll get to see a classroom activity by two of our professors, interact with the VR equipment in our Furniture Connection Ed Tech Studio, visit the Jack Hunt STEM Center, and meet with our Student Tennessee Education Association ���󲹱�ٱ��.”

Attendees will also participate in breakout sessions to learn more about the college’s resources, including the Center for Rural Education and the Grow Your Own Teacher Residency.

High school teachers interested in bringing their TAP classes are asked to RSVP by Sept. 5 by emailing Fee at feek@apsu.edu. All participating students will receive APSU swag, a campus tour, and free lunch at the university’s dining hall.

“Tennessee needs passionate, well-prepared teachers, and we believe the best educators often come from our own communities,” said Dr. John McConnell, interim dean of the Eriksson College of Education. “This event helps us identify and nurture that next generation of teachers right here in Middle Tennessee.”