Since its founding in 1821, Amherst College has prepared talented students of every background to lead principled lives of consequence. Education as a pressing social issue has captured the attention of generations of Amherst College students, and alumni who have pursued a calling in education consistently report how their Amherst education provided a sound foundation for their work. With the support and leadership of Charles “Chuck” Ashby Lewis ’64 and Penny Bender Sebring, Ph.D., Amherst’s Careers in Education Professions Career Community encourages students to explore, experience, and reflect upon a variety of paths into the education professions.
The Amherst Careers in Education Professions Program supports and motivates a small but growing corps of prospective teachers, education researchers, and policy leaders who wish to re-imagine education and its contribution to a democratic society. Encouraging Amherst College students to think critically and creatively about the processes of teaching and learning, and about the place of education in society, this program offers Amherst College students engaging multidisciplinary seminars, stimulating panels and conferences, as well as career advising and mentoring. The program blends the philosophical, theoretical and political with praxis and hands-on learning. Students participate in exploratory Treks, community engagement opportunities, educator shadowing, and internships in areas including classroom teaching, educational leadership, research, advocacy and policy reform.
