YSU Future Teachers Club earns national recognition and statewide honors

The Youngstown State University Future Teachers Club received recognition at both the state and national levels this year, highlighting the organization’s growth and leadership since its establishment in fall 2024.

During the National Education Association Aspiring Educators Conference GramAE Awards Ceremony, the YSU FTC was nominated for the Emerging Chapter Award. Faculty advisor Daniel Wakefield, a lecturer in the Teacher Education and Leadership Studies department at YSU, was nominated for the Distinguished Local Advisor award, and student leader Sabrina Gatts was nominated for the Outstanding Local Leader award.

The YSU FTC also found success at the Ohio Education Association-Aspiring Educators Spring Leadership Conference, earning both the Chapter Challenge Award and the Emerging Chapter Award. Wakefield also received the Libra Award for Outstanding Advisor, while Gatts was recognized with an Outstanding Student Leader Award.

The YSU Future Teachers Club supports aspiring educators through professional development, leadership opportunities and service initiatives while helping students prepare for careers in education. Since its founding in fall 2024, the organization has expanded its presence on campus and within the education community across Ohio.