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• Lake Union Professional Day Prepares Andrews Seniors for the Classroom

Why It Matters

“For our graduating seniors, this is a chance to get a feel for what the hiring process looks like,” said Ruth Horton, Lake Union director of education. “They’ve studied, they’ve completed student teaching, and now they’re preparing to enter the workforce. Professional Day gives them a practice run—an opportunity to meet administrators, go through interviews, and hear what school leaders are really looking for.”

Professional Day has been a fixture in the Lake Union for more than 20 years, offering a blend of professional learning and practical experience. Horton explained that while the day benefits the students, administrators also appreciate the opportunity. “It’s really a win-win,” she said. “Students meet potential employers and practice their skills, while administrators get a first look at the next generation of Adventist teachers.”

A Student-Centered Day

Michelle Bacchiocchi, associate professor in the School of Education and director of student teaching at Andrews University, has seen firsthand how much the day means to seniors. “For many of them, this is the first time they’ve experienced a professional setting outside of student teaching,” she said. “They come in a little nervous, but they leave feeling empowered and encouraged.”

Bacchiocchi noted that the Ed Talks were a highlight for the students this year. Presenters included:

• James Bermingham, systems executive director for Diploma Options Management, who outlined the qualities administrators seek in new hires.
• Maurice Byrd, retired superintendent of an Illinois school district and volunteer in his local Adventist school, who explained how student-led assessment can motivate learners, as well as best practices for engaging school boards.
• Wadzanai Bepe, Lake Union special education consultant, who emphasized strategies for embracing and nurturing diverse learners from the very beginning.
• Bradley Sheppard, retired assistant superintendent of instruction for Elkhart Community School and his wife Clem Sheppard, retired world language department chair, St. Joseph Public Schools, who discussed the differences between parochial and public schools.

One poignant moment for the students was a point Birmingham made about the first year of teaching. He told them that self-care is important and that teacher burnout is real.“However, that first year you need to immerse yourself,” he told them. “Get to know the system, be proactive, get involved, be engaged, and then as you progress you can balance it more.”

Bacchiocchi said that the students talked about how inspiring it was to hear from such experienced professionals. “They realized they’re not just preparing to teach a subject—they’re preparing to impact lives.”

 

Practice Makes Professional

The afternoon gave students a chance to put those lessons into practice. In rotating 15-minute intervals, they sat across from principals and superintendents for mock interviews. Each round offered a new set of questions and new feedback.

“It’s intense, but invaluable,” Horton said. “Administrators are looking at these young people as potential colleagues, while students are practicing how to present themselves with confidence.”

Afterward, Bacchiocchi moderated a panel of administrators, giving students the chance to ask candid questions about the hiring process and expectations for new teachers. This is where the students lean in. “They want to know, what do I need to do to succeed in that first year? What do administrators value most? And the panel doesn’t hold back,” said Bacchiocchi.

The day concluded with Lake Union Associate Education Director Nicole Mattson sharing “Surviving the First Year of Teaching,” a practical and uplifting talk on navigating the challenges of a first classroom assignment.

 

Student Participation and Impact

This year’s participants included: Jordan Anderson, Askah Morara, Keira Hodgins, Katlin Nelson, Olivia Jordan, Rohannah Riley, Eleanor Joyce, Jenae Rogers, Leilani Lopez and Myah Riggs-Wright. Together, they represented a range of majors from elementary to secondary education, including specialties in music and mathematics.

Bacchiocchi expressed gratitude for the Lake Union’s role in hosting the event. “Our students don’t just hear about what’s expected—they get to experience it. That’s an incredible gift. We’re thankful the Lake Union has made this investment year after year.”

The impact, she added, goes beyond the day itself. “Some of our students have actually been hired after Professional Day because administrators see their potential here first. It’s an amazing bridge between Andrews and the field.”

 

 

Looking Forward

Both Horton and Bacchiocchi agree that Professional Day is about more than preparing résumés or answering interview questions. It’s about building confidence and connections.

“These are the teachers who will nurture the next generation,” Horton said. “And we want them to know they’re not stepping into the classroom alone. They’re stepping in with a network of support that believes in them.”

 

 

Debbie Michel is editor of the Lake Union Herald.