Dr. Bryan Zugelder, dean of the College of Education (COE), and a few education student leaders established the Education Student Leadership Advisory Board (ESLAB) this past academic year. ESLAB serves as a student advisory board to the COE leadership team and an avenue where education students’ experiences and voices can be shared with the COE. ESLAB membership includes the president of each education-related registered student organization (RSO) who represent the education student body, promote engagement in RSOs, and represent the college at university events.

“I wanted to form this group because even though we have student representatives on our shared governance committees, I wanted student leaders to have the opportunity to have a collective voice with the dean, and to provide students with leadership growth,” said Zugelder.

During the fall semester, Zugelder met with Ella Pettit, junior elementary education major and education representative for the Student Government Association. Through their conversation, they realized they both had a dream of forming an education student advisory group comprised of education student leaders. After a few brainstorming sessions, ESLAB was born and Pettit got to work forming the first executive board and inviting participants, alongside the ESLAB Advisor, Molly Davis, director of marketing and communication in the COE.

“The community of future educators that we have at Illinois State is so incredible. Recognizing this, I was inspired to help start ESLAB to bring together the leaders that support and uplift our education students,” said Pettit. “Every student and organization brings something unique to the table, and we wanted to create an environment where collaboration, idea sharing, and mutual support could develop. It has been so impactful to see these leaders advocate for their members and encourage one another as we navigate the best ways to engage with and support the amazing future educators at Illinois State.”

ESLAB held monthly meetings with Zugelder and Davis during the spring semester, with about 14 education student organizations represented at each meeting. They ended the semester with the Educator Excellence Award Ceremony and presented the following awards: