The Southwestern College Education Builders participated in the Kansas National Education Association (KNEA) Student Program Fall Conference on Nov. 10 and 11 in Topeka.

Southwestern College senior Karrie McNutt is the president of the Kansas National Education Association Student Program (KNEA-SP). This conference consisted of college KNEA student members from across the state gathering for a keynote address, professional development opportunities, and group collaboration. McNutt and her KNEA-SP executive board and advisor hosted this event, and themed this year’s conference around social justice with a visit to the Brown vs. Board of Education historical site.

Southwestern College Education Builders who attended the conference included: McNutt, Winfield; Catabrean Baumann, Tulsa; Lori Gragert, Oxford; Tayvia Kemp, El Dorado; and group advisor Sheryl Erickson, Winfield.

Gragert said the conference was informative.  

“It taught me a lot about learning the difference between equality and equity,” Gragert said. “We got to experience a kindergarten classroom in the Brown vs. Board of Education Museum, which actually is the historic site of Monroe Elementary School, a segregated Topeka school at one point in time.” 

Colleges and universities that attended the conference included Bethel College, McPherson College, Haskell Indian Nations University, Pittsburg State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, and the University of Kansas.

“Making the connections with others from around the state of Kansas was a great experience as a student and as a future educator,” Baumann said. “I can see how relationships with peers and colleagues of all ages will benefit me moving forward into the profession.” 

McNutt and Erickson were the keynote speakers for the conference. They co-taught a presentation on the importance of bridging the generation gaps in education. In a poem for two voices written by McNutt and Erickson, they read the last lines together: “I love learning. Teaching others to see how education gives them choices is my life’s calling.”