(Sioux City, Iowa – October 7, 2025) Briar Cliff University welcomed 105 high school juniors and seniors to campus for the 6th Annual Future Educators Summit, a free, daylong event held on October 7 for students interested in becoming teachers.
The highlight of the summit was a keynote address from Melanie Bloom, the 2025 Iowa Teacher of the Year and an agriculture educator at Sioux Central Community School District. Bloom shared insights from her 16-year career in the classroom, emphasizing the importance of career-connected learning and building meaningful relationships with students.
"Teachers make a difference,” said Bloom in her address to the attendees. “The feeling of helping a student set and accomplish a tough goal is incredible. 100% of the time, your attitude, personality, character, and skills as a teacher are what will draw students in. I challenge you all to hone in on your strengths and lean into them”
Throughout the day, participants joined Briar Cliff education majors and faculty for interactive sessions, including a new Ed Tech Simulation, a presentation by Education Club Officers, and the popular “Make and Take” classroom strategy workshop. Students also enjoyed breakfast and lunch in Briar Cliff’s Clifftop Eats dining hall, prize giveaways, and an optional tour of campus.
What makes the summit unique is the opportunity for high school students to spend the day alongside Briar Cliff education majors. From first-year students to those in their student teaching placements, Briar Cliff future teachers shared their experiences and advice with the next generation of educators.
“We want students to walk away inspired,” said Dr. Theresa Engle, Chair of the Education Department at Briar Cliff University. “Not just by what they heard from our keynote, but by the connections they made with peers who share the same passion for teaching.”
Students attended from across the region, including Sioux City, Sergeant Bluff-Luton, South Sioux City, Elk Point-Jefferson, LeMars, Woodbury Central, Hinton, Akron-Westfield, and other area schools.
The annual event continues to grow each year, and past keynotes have featured previous Iowa Teachers of the Year, including George Anderson, Sara Russell, Krystal Colbert, and Ann Mincks.