Briar Cliff University Hosts 7th Annual Future Educators Summit, Featuring the 2026 Iowa Teacher of the Year

(Sioux City, Iowa - October 7, 2026) Briar Cliff University welcomed more than 180 high school students for its 7th Annual Future Educators Summit on Tuesday, October 6, bringing high school juniors and seniors to campus to explore careers in education and learn more about the teaching profession.

The free, one-day event featured breakout sessions, opportunities to connect with BCU education students and faculty, lunch, prizes and campus tours. Students also heard from Iowa Teacher of the Year Stephanie Pritts, a Briar Cliff alumna, who shared her experiences and perspective on a career in education.

"I have never felt so welcomed, encouraged, proud, and inspired by an education department and its students," Pritts said. "The respect, energy, and passion these future educators brought to the conversation reminded me once again why I love this profession so much. I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to prepare the next generations of teachers."

The summit is designed to give students an inside look at the education profession while helping them connect with educators and current college students pursuing education careers.

Students attended from across the region, including Sioux City, Elk Point-Jefferson, Hinton, Lawton-Bronson, Woodbury Central, and the Marcus/Meriden/Cleghorn/Remsen/Union areas.

"Our college students played an important role in every aspect of the Summit," said Dr. Theresa Engle, Chair of the Department of Education at Briar Cliff. "We are incredibly grateful for their assistance and for the opportunity to bring future educators together to experience the joy and importance of the teaching profession."

Through events such as the Future Educators Summit, Briar Cliff continues to provide opportunities for prospective educators to explore the field and learn about pathways to a career in education.