Sept. 10, 2009
Seniors serve as ambassadors
for Future Teachers & Leaders of Color
Amber Putra, left, and Margarita Vidrio
By Sarah Goehri
PULLMAN – Amber Nicole Putra debated for years
whether to pursue a career in education or
medicine. The debate was over, she said, when she
discovered the quality of the teaching preparation
program at the Washington State University College of
Education.
Now Putra will spend her time helping other students realize their own passion for education. Along with Margarita Vidrio, Putra serves as a 2009-2010 student ambassador for WSU’s Future Teachers & Leaders of Color Program (FTLOC). For their efforts on behalf of the program, the ambassadors each receive a $2,000 scholarship from the James Taylor Future Teachers of Color Endowment.
Vidrio, a senior from Kennewick, is a mentor for the Multicultural Student Services program and also works for Student Support Services. Putra, a senior from Spanaway, is a vice president for the Student Washington Education Association, and is also a WSU Ambassador.
FTLOC was established to guide and mentor students of ethnic minorities who are hoping to pursue careers in a variety of teaching professions. According to Angie Hammond, director of student services for the WSU College of Education, the program offers participants such services as academic advising, WEST-B testing assistance, and information sessions for those interested in applying for the teacher preparation program.
Vidrio and Putra will work on a variety of projects aimed at recruiting and retaining FTLOC members, and providing networking opportunities for participants. They will represent the College of Education at university recruiting events, and organize a repeat of last year’s successful Thanksgiving dinner, at which current and prospective members meet college administrators and faculty.
“I want to create events from scratch and get more people interested in education,” said Vidrio. “We need to retain the students who are interested now, and remind them why they chose teaching.” After enjoying the program’s benefits herself, Vidrio hopes to show other multicultural students the caliber of the WSU College of Education. “It’s nice having someone to depend on, who can meet with you and be a resource.”
Putra sees a definite need for more diversity among elementary and secondary school faculty. “I want to reach out to WSU’s multicultural students through this program. We need more teachers who will be able to understand the multicultural students.”
Jose Cruz, an FTLOC ambassador last year, has high hopes for the new ambassadors. “I want them to acknowledge how important their position is and see how much of a difference they can make.” Cruz has seen firsthand the strength of the program. He is student teaching in Pasco and will begin working on a master’s degree at WSU Tri Cities in December.
For more information about FTLOC, contact Angie Hammond, program adviser.