The first year of college can feel overwhelming, especially when you're pursuing a career as demanding and meaningful as teaching. While other freshmen are still figuring out their majors, education students at Illinois State University already know their calling, but that doesn't make the transition any easier.
The Redbird Educator Scholars Program (RESP) at the College of Education addresses this challenge head-on. Since 1857, Illinois State has been preparing professional educators, and RESP represents the latest evolution in that commitment: helping first-year education majors connect, grow, and find their footing from day one.
More Than Just Another Campus Program
RESP isn't about lectures or additional coursework. It's about building the foundation that every teacher needs including a sense of belonging and a community of peers who understand the journey ahead.
"Coming to RESP helped me feel closer to my education community which is something that is very difficult for most first-year education students," one participant shared.
The program creates intentional spaces where future teachers can meet others who share their passion. Through informal guidance and regular connection with peers, faculty, and staff, RESP builds the kind of supportive network that helps students ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn together without judgment.
Where Connection Meets Professional Development
The program's events blend social connection with practical growth. During Planner Night, students personalized their planners while picking up time management strategies they'll need throughout their teacher preparation. A Picnic & Paint Party on the Quad offered outdoor creativity, food, and ISU picnic blankets which is the kind of casual setting where real friendships form.
Other gatherings tackle the realities of educational leadership more directly. The Roots & Rest Workshop focused on educator self-care and reflection, acknowledging early that teaching demands sustainable practices. A Lunch & Learn session with the dean explored classroom culture and wellness, giving freshmen direct access to experienced voices in educational administration.
When midterms arrived, RESP hosted a Study Night complete with pizza, raffles, and subject-specific group sessions. "I enjoyed the activities this month because it helped me learn more about my peers while also having fun," another student noted. The combination of practical support during stressful moments paired with genuine enjoyment defines the program's approach.
The Power of Peer Mentorship
RESP's peer mentors serve as role models who remember what it's like to be a first-year student in teacher education. They provide informal guidance that helps new students navigate college life while developing their own leadership and communication skills through mentorship meetings and reflective discussions.
These mentors participate in RESP events, creating a welcoming atmosphere where freshmen can see themselves reflected in successful upperclassmen. They share real experiences and practical strategies for success in education, making the path forward feel more tangible.
The mentorship model supports both sides of the relationship. First-year students gain confidence and feel supported in their journey toward becoming teachers, while mentors strengthen the skills they'll need as future leaders in special education, educational administration, or classroom teaching.
Building Educators Who Last
The impact extends beyond freshman year. By helping students build friendships and belonging early, RESP addresses one of the biggest challenges in teacher preparation: retention. When future teachers feel isolated or unsupported, they're more likely to question their path. When they're part of a connected community, they're more likely to persist through challenges.
RESP encourages students to see themselves as part of a larger community of educators at Illinois State University and within the broader profession. That perspective matters when the work gets hard, when student teaching tests your limits, or when you're navigating the complexities of licensure and professional development.
Your First Step Toward Teaching
If you're a prospective teacher wondering how you'll find your people, or an education student looking for connection and growth during your first year, RESP offers a clear answer. The program creates space for you to build confidence, develop professionally, and form the relationships that will sustain you throughout your teaching career.
Learn more about the Redbird Educator Scholars Program and other teaching programs at the College of Education by visiting education.illinoisstate.edu. Connect with the community on social media at @educationISU to see what current students and faculty are doing.
Your future as an educator starts with finding where you belong. RESP is ready to help you discover that place.
Lee Enterprises newsrooms were not involved in the creation of this content.
