On January 8, the Public Engagement & Research Initiative (PERI) at Bank Street College hosted the second annual Summit on Undergraduate Pathways into Education (SUPE), a one-day gathering designed to help college students explore education careers and the many possibilities in the field.
Co-hosted in partnership with Smith College, Wesleyan University, Yale University, and Vassar College, the event brought together nearly 200 attendees, including undergraduate students, faculty, and staff from institutions across the region. The evening featured inspiring speakers and performers, various workshops, and networking opportunities.
To begin, Shael Polakow-Suransky, GSE ’00, President, Bank Street College of Education, shared welcome remarks reflecting on his extensive career in education—spanning roles in the classroom and beyond—and the path that led him to his current position as president of the College.
Next, event organizers Sam Intrator, Chair of Education & Child Study, Smith College, and Amy Stuart Wells, Chief Research Officer, Public Engagement & Research Initiative, Bank Street College, opened the program by framing the purpose of SUPE, highlighting the growing number of undergraduate students drawn to education through their commitment to social justice.
“We know from national data that many students see education as a space for social transformation, and the SUPE event is designed to help connect that passion to real pathways in the field,” said Wells. “Bank Street is proud to co-host this event with our partners and inspire the next generation of educators committed to social justice and the educational values that guide our work.”
Next, Suzanne McCotter, Dean, Bank Street Graduate School of Education, introduced keynote speaker Jacob Dixon, GSE ’10, CEO of Choice for All, a non-profit that supports the health and well-being of children and families in Long Island, NY; Center Director of the Long Island Regional Technical Assistance Center for Pre-K and Early Childhood Education; and adjunct faculty member at the Graduate School of Education.
Dixon presented a powerful talk titled “Mic in One Hand, Chalk in the Other: Finding My Way into Education and Advocacy.” Sharing photos of his childhood, Dixon spoke about his pathway out of the deficit framing that his teachers tried to attach to him because of a disability, and how his mother refused to buy into that framing, paving the way for his career as an educator and as a leader of a successful non-profit organization that supports children and families in his Long Island community. His remarks offered undergraduate students an inspirational story focused on believing in yourself, following your dreams, and not letting other people define you.
“I am beyond humbled to have spent the afternoon with brilliant, curious, and purpose-driven undergraduates—each exploring their own pathways into education, advocacy, and social change,” said Dixon. “The attendees’ curiosity, heart, and commitment give me so much hope for the future of education. Keep holding the mic. Keep picking up the chalk. The work matters. You all have a role in it.”
Following the keynote, attendees enjoyed a dynamic performance by EPIC Theatre Ensemble titled “The Next Bell: How Education Can Foster Belonging.” The play explored how to create a sense of belonging in schools for students, parents, and educators, and find connection and community through differences.
An insightful panel discussion followed, highlighting examples of divergent and powerful pathways through the field of education. Panelists included Alison Overseth, Chief Executive Officer, Partnership for After School Education (PASE); Jose Vilson, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Bank Street College of Education, and Executive Director, Educolor; Brandon Thorne, Senior Program Officer, W. Clement & Jessie V. Stone Foundation; and Xinyu Pan, Post-Doctoral Fellow, Bank Street College of Education.
Attendees later joined workshops that explored both classroom-based and other education careers, with sessions focused on youth development and after-school education, early childhood and infant development, special education and literacy leadership, social work, research and policy roles, and education technology. Additional workshops addressed multiple pathways to becoming a classroom teacher, among other topics.
The evening concluded with dinner and networking among attendees and speakers, offering an opportunity for participants to reflect on the day’s sessions, share insights, and establish new professional connections.