On the campus of Northwestern College, education majors have the opportunity to be members of the RedED club. Not only is this club an invaluable resource for professional growth, but it is also a club with students who can be encouraged, supported and befriended as they pursue their future teaching careers. If a student is already committed to teaching as their profession, or if one is still weighing their options with teaching careers, then RedED is an inviting and beneficial space for them.
One of the benefits of RedED is that it focuses on real-world experience and service. One of the most popular traditions among the members of the club is the Walthill School visit, taken both in the fall and spring semesters. By bringing members off campus to a school, the visit allows them to connect with students in their own space, build relationships and make an impact through service-oriented interactive learning.
One other service activity the club does is sending monthly care packages to one class at Field Club Elementary School. Carefully prepared, these packages are sent out in support of students as well as faculty. Besides this, members of RedED occasionally visit the Crittenton Center in Sioux City on weekends. Crittenton is a transitional home for children between the ages of 0–18. It is a way for prospective teachers to meet students who are in difficult circumstances as well as share love, attention and encouragement.
Outside of these service visits, the club knows how to have an educational adventure as well as leave space for the students to relax and bond with each other. They host events such as Morning on the Green where students enjoy making bracelets and having their faces painted, allowing space for the playful and creative aspect of teaching. They even host game nights in the Education Suite, providing snacks, games and laughter — a break for students after weeks of classes and assignments.
For students who have their professional careers in mind, RedED is an asset, offering useful tools and assistance. RedEd gatherings often include informational sessions on resume writing, creating teaching portfolios and how licensure works. During a past session, Professor Carrie Thonstad addressed the licensure process, leaving students feeling more confident and prepared as they move toward student teaching and their first full-time job opportunities.
On top of it all, RedED provides a sense of identity and belonging in such ways as club t-shirts that can be purchased at the beginning of the school year. They function as a comfortable signifier of being a part of the club.
One of the best things about RedED is how friendly and inclusive it is. Most events are “bring-a-friend” oriented, so even if one’s mind is only on an education major, students are encouraged to drop by and get to know the club to see how they like it. It is not necessary for students to attend every meeting in order to take part. Coming for just one or two events can provide useful information, motivating individuals. In simplest terms, RedED is not just a club, but is an empowering, supporting and motivating group of aspiring educators. From teaching disadvantaged kids, learning about professional practice or just spending social hours with peers over snacks and games, RedED allows education students to get the most out of their college experience.
RedED students have an event at ARIA.
