COLUMBUS, Ohio — In early October, several University of Mount Union education students were selected to present their unique lesson plans at the Ohio Council for the Social Studies conference.

The students—Booke Clapham ’26, Andrea Dager ’26, Olivia Howard ’26, Ashlin Morris ’26, Bre Pittman ’26, Abby Reagan ’26 and Jillian Zamarelli ’26—presented “Native American Education with hands-on primary sources and augmented reality.” The presentation featured lesson plans that the students created and taught to fourth graders at Alliance Intermediate School. This included engaging the audience in Native American sign language, role-playing to learn about contemporary culture and the inclusion of Native American regalia using augmented reality.

Dager indicated that attending and presenting at the conference was something that prepared her for her career by not only getting professional development but also collaborating with peers and helping other teachers. “This experience was very interactive and engaging and provided me with a unique experience I would not find anywhere else,” she said.

“It is unusual for preservice teachers to be presenters at a statewide professional development conference,” said Dr. Mary Beth Henning, professor of education at Mount Union. “These UMU students are blending hands-on learning with cultural relics crafted by Northern Cheyenne cultural leaders as well as the power of technology to bring primary sources into elementary and middle school classrooms.”

“As a future middle to high school history teacher, going to this conference connected me with so many different resources that I didn't even know I needed,” said Pittman. “I have such a passion for social studies, and it was so nice talking to other people who share that same passion. It gave me the opportunity to talk with different districts about how they teach social studies. I was able to bounce off ideas with social studies professionals and my peers about what it means to be a great history teacher.” 

Dager (left) and Pittman present at the OCSS Conference.

“I felt so honored to be able to go and represent the work and the dedication that the education students put into everything that they do at Mount Union,” said Howard.

The faculty from Mount Union’s School of Education prepare students for student teaching and professional development throughout their undergraduate careers with individual advising and support.

 Clapham (far left), Reagan and Howard present as part of the OCSS Conference.

“The faculty in UMU's School of Education are so supportive and constantly provide unique opportunities to broaden our learning,” said Dager. “They prepare us for licensure exams as well as hours of experience in classrooms with their guidance, which will help me in my future career.”

View the students’ distinct lesson plans at ahtove.org. Discover diverse programs and opportunities, and learn more about the supportive faculty, by visiting Mount Union’s School of Education.