Nyah Adair remembers clearly when she decided she would become a teacher. And in about four years, her dream will become reality.
Adair was introduced Wednesday at Hickman High School as the recipient of a full tuition scholarship at Central Methodist University as part of a partnership between Columbia Public Schools and CMU called the Como EdX Grow Our Own Teachers Program.
“I was in a teaching professions class when I found my passion,” said Adair, who will study elementary education. “I want to teach second or third grade.”
Dr. Peter Stiepleman, superintendent of Columbia Public Schools, presented Adair to a crowd of family members and well-wishers.
“Integrity,” said Stiepleman, “Great educators possess it. . . and Nyah has a reputation of [showing] it time and time again.”
Stiepleman told a story about an encounter with Adair 10 years ago in CPS’ Summer Expeditions program. He witnessed an expression of integrity and compassion when she was in elementary school.
Dr. Joe Parisi, vice president of enrollment management at CMU, welcomed Adair to the Eagle family.
“This is a big deal for Nyah,” said Parisi. “We’re proud to help her get started on her teaching journey and honored to be able to give back to mid-Missouri with Grow Our Own Teachers.”
Adair hopes to be on the dance team at Central Methodist, and looks to participate in clubs and organizations, too.
At Hickman, she started an organization called Change, dedicated to educating, advocating and amplifying student voices, reminding youth of the importance of inclusion and cultural competence.
Under the Como EdX Grow Our Own Teachers program, the candidate agrees that after graduation from college, she will return to her home district to teach. And Stiepleman says she will be welcomed with open arms.
“I too would want Nyah Adair to be my child’s teacher,” he said.
Adair will be the third CPS Como EdX student studying at Central, joining Fernando Jimenez and Dinesh Baldwin.