We continue our series of podcasts hosted by PDK Distinguished Educator and Emerging Leader Fellows. Michael Odell is a Professor of STEM at the University of Texas at Tyler. His innovative initiatives have doubled the number of STEM teachers produced by the university and significantly impacted the local community. Odell joins the cohort with achievements such as holding several administrative positions at the university and co-founding the UT Tyler University Academy charter school.

In this episode, he speaks with Educators Rising National Ambassador Calvin Plante, a first-year student at American University in Washington, DC. Calvin shares his experiences in Educators Rising in one of New Hampshire’s largest high schools and his perspectives on becoming a teacher.

Both men discuss the changing landscape of how teachers enter the profession. Odell has over forty years of experience in the field of education; Plante was more recently turned onto teaching by his experience with Educators Rising. Their perspectives are illuminating!

In the podcast, Odell describes a chart that he shares with Plante. This chart is presented in the related article with this interview and the data comes from Marder, M. (2024). The rise of uncertified teachers in Texas: Bad for kids, bad for business. UTeach Institute, University of Texas at Austin. Retrieved from https://tea.texas.gov/reports-and-data/educator-data/employed-teacher-attrition-and-new-hires-2023-2024.pdf



Note: Opinions expressed by the guests on this podcast are their own. PDK International advocates for students in Educators Rising chapters to have a co-curricular experience to best prepare them for a future career in education. This means that in addition to their participation in chapter activities that their school offer a CTE program focused on an education career pathway.

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