October 8, 2026
Two Mayville State University students gained valuable professional development experiences while attending the 2026 Aspiring Educators Conference in Denver, Colo., this past summer. Education majors Arianna Kjorsvig, a special education major from Lakota, N.D., and Eve Galster, an early childhood education major from Bismarck, N.D., participated in the conference sponsored by the National Education Association (NEA), joining aspiring educators from across the nation to learn about advocacy, leadership, and best practices in education.
The conference featured six general sessions focused on how current and future educators can advocate for themselves, their students, and their schools. Participants explored ways educators can become involved at the local, state, and federal levels through elections, campaigns, professional organizations, and other opportunities to positively influence education.
“In addition to learning about advocacy, we gained a better understanding of what it means to be an educator and an advocate for students,” Kjorsvik and Galster said. “The conference allowed us to learn, connect with other future educators, and gain new perspectives on the teaching profession.”
Kjorsvik and Galster also attended three professional development sessions that addressed a variety of timely topics, including teacher burnout, trauma-sensitive classrooms, and student teaching experiences. The sessions provided practical ideas and insights that they will carry forward as they continue their studies and prepare to enter the profession.
“Each session gave us something new to think about and provided ideas that we can take with us as we continue through our education programs and eventually enter the teaching profession,” they said.
Reflecting on the experience, both students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from educators and fellow aspiring teachers from across the country.
“Attending the Aspiring Educators Conference was an incredible opportunity,” they said. “This experience has encouraged us to continue working hard as students, become stronger advocates for children and education, and strive to be the best educators we can be.”
The conference experience provided Kjorsvik and Galster with valuable knowledge, professional connections, and inspiration as they pursue careers in education, helping to prepare them to make a meaningful impact in classrooms and communities in the future. Eve and Arianna, both juniors at Mayville State, are also active members of Mayville State’s local Student Education Association.
To learn more about the opportunities in teacher education at Mayville State University, visit www.mayvillestat.edu/teachereducation.