Published on September 15, 2025 by Joelle Youngblood  
Lamp of Learning and KDPi

Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education hosted two ceremonies honoring teacher education candidates—the Lamp of Learning ceremony and the Kappa Delta Pi initiation—on Sept. 10.

The Lamp of Learning ceremony marked the official induction of 34 teacher education candidates into their majors and the start of their professional field experiences. Each candidate received a clinical badge representing their readiness to enter classrooms, engage in field placements and begin leading lessons. Rooted in Luke 8:16, the ceremony also reminds candidates of their calling to shine their light and share the love of Christ with those they will serve throughout their teaching journey.

Assistant dean Amy Hoaglund welcomed the candidates, acknowledging the importance of the moment. “This is where you are about to have one foot here on campus and one foot in the professional world,” she said.

Dean Anna McEwan emphasized the calling of the profession. “This ceremony is held to encourage you to pursue the calling to teach and to radiate light and love,” she said. “We gather to honor each of you as teacher education candidates, and your commitment to search for wisdom and knowledge that will prepare you to serve as a gift to others that you will teach and guide in their own search for wisdom and knowledge.”

The ceremony recognized Jennifer Frisch, a first-grade teacher at Oak Mountain Elementary, as Mentor Teacher of the Year. Introduced by Abby Hayes ’24, Frisch encouraged candidates to remain centered on their purpose.

“We’ve all stepped into the field of education for many different reasons. Why you got into education is going to be different than anyone else,” she said. “You might hear people say to run away from education while you can, but please run towards it and not away from it. Always remember your ‘why,’ but also realize it’s okay if your ‘why’ changes.”

The School of Education welcomed 29 new members into the Zeta Theta chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society, which is built on the four core values of community, belonging, leadership and celebration. Candidates were reminded during the initiation they are joining a vibrant community of educators who understand, support. inspire and empower them at every stage of their career.

The two ceremonies highlighted the School of Education’s commitment to preparing servant leaders who are equipped to enter classrooms with both professional readiness and a dedication to their calling.

 
Located in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,324 students from 44 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second-highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.