Kansas
Kansas Future Teacher Academy hosts 60 high schoolers at Emporia State
![Kansas Future Teacher Academy hosts 60 high schoolers at Emporia State Kansas Future Teacher Academy hosts 60 high schoolers at Emporia State](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/06/08/NTCJ/09e1d891-ca3b-4972-bda5-e70a7aaad50e-IMG_7819.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
EMPORIA — Picket flooring, benches and desks creaked because the 30 highschool college students clambered single-file into the previous of Kansas training.
This was the one-room schoolhouse, simply steps away from The Lecturers School at Emporia State College. In Kansas’ early days, 1000’s of those limestone block, bell-topped colleges dotted the state’s prairies, and vintage books and classroom supplies adorning the partitions on this relic stood as tribute to the state’s training pioneers.
On the entrance of the schoolhouse, Todd Roberts walked the scholars by means of these chapters of training historical past, when most education stopped after eighth grade.
Instructing was a communal job, with older college students (and typically siblings) serving to youthful college students study their studying, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic. Social norms dictated how academics — most of whom have been ladies — behaved even outdoors the classroom, with contract stipulations in opposition to going out to the city ice cream parlor greater than a few times every week.
Probably the most astonishing factor to the scholars?
It was solely a few generations in the past.
“This week, we’re going to reimagine training,” Roberts advised the scholars, “and to do this, we have to return to the very fundamentals of the place training began. And I do know it would look like a extremely very long time, however within the huge image, 60, 70 or 80 years in the past is not all that way back.”
Sixty highschool college students from all throughout the state this week converged on Emporia State’s campus for the annual Kansas Future Trainer Academy, a weeklong summer season camp hosted by the school. The camp, aimed toward college students nonetheless occupied with a potential profession in training, goals to show them extra deeply to what it takes and means to be a trainer.
“If we are able to begin getting them now and assist them change their lens and perspective on training, we wish to do it now as an alternative of ready one other three or 4 years for them to get to school,” stated Roberts, camp director.
But when they will be a part of the occupation, the scholars know they’ve their work minimize out for them. Their highschool years have been within the context of COVID, and deficiencies within the always-done-it-that-way method to training have been solely magnified for them in studying in the course of the pandemic.
Their purpose as future educators, then, will likely be to redefine training.
Commissioner: Redesigned training will likely be for Kansas’ struggling college students
About 40 minutes west of Hutchinson, there is a city known as Stafford and a boy named Ashton Harter.
Harter, considered one of 11 seniors subsequent yr at Stafford Excessive, has by no means had the most effective experiences with faculty. His grades and attendance have each often been poor, and he admits he is by no means put a lot effort into his research. An consideration deficit dysfunction and nervousness prognosis make him liable to “area+ out so much” throughout class.
However that is exactly why he desires to be a trainer.
“All my academics, they have been the type of people that had straight As and 4.0s — the type of people that by no means struggled a lot in class,” Harter stated. “I by no means actually had anybody to narrate with in how a lot I struggled, and I really feel like I may be that for somebody sooner or later, in order that they don’t really feel like they’re silly.”
Harter and different college students from small cities like Stafford, inhabitants 959, and massive ones like Wichita alike made up the 60 campers on the Kansas Future Trainer Academy. In remarks to the group, training commissioner Randy Watson advised them they collectively symbolize the way forward for the state’s training system.
Watson shared with the scholars among the state’s present efforts to revamp colleges, with greater focuses on personalised, project-based studying and social-emotional scholar assist, as a part of the state board of training’s imaginative and prescient to have Kansas lead the world within the success of every scholar.
Within the face of what he believes would be the largest educator scarcity in Kansas historical past, Watson stated college students have not had as a lot publicity to the rewards of “the best occupation.” Large challenges, when it comes to each rebounding academically from COVID-19 studying loss and monetary challenges of dwindling enrollment, await Kansas colleges, he stated.
However that makes the campers’ drive to turn out to be academics that rather more important for the state, Watson stated.
“Change is gradual typically, however I’m optimistic that our future lies not within the youngsters who’ve all the time been profitable, however within the youngsters who haven’t had that success, and in redesigning our training system for them,” Watson stated.
Pizza field pedagogy
All through the week, the campers delved deeper into what it means to be a trainer, taking part in initiatives and classes led by latest Kansas Trainer of the 12 months winners.
Amy Hillman, a 2020 Kansas Trainer of the 12 months, helped lead campers all through the week. Previously a classroom trainer at Santa Fe Path Center Faculty in Olathe, she now works as a recruiter for that district.
She stated educator preparation applications have to begin occupied with reaching potential academics in a different way, “as a result of they don’t seem to be coming to us anymore.”
“The children perceive this technology manner higher than we’ve ever recognized,” she stated. “And that doesn’t imply we (as academics) have executed it fallacious. However we all know there are damaged items in public training, and they’ll solely be remedied with an understanding of the following technology.”
All through the week, campers took notes at every of the classes and actions, which included the teacher-led classes in addition to scavenger hunts and a visit to the county historic museum. In teams of two or three college students, they put collectively a presentation on a theme they realized about all through the week, utilizing the backs of donated pizza packing containers.
Harter, the scholar from Stafford, labored with Olathe East sophomore Isabella Hermansen on a pizza field centered across the theme of engagement. The duo stated that they hope to at some point use initiatives just like the pizza field in their very own lecture rooms.
“If college students aren’t actively engaged, it is so much more durable for them to study or perceive something they may be taught in class,” Hermansen stated.
Academy builds connections amongst potential academics
Along with instructing the campers concerning the occupation, the Kansas Future Trainer Academy additionally centered on constructing a assist community for the scholars.
Though it is one of many largest professions in Kansas, training struggles with retention as academics burn out of the occupation, stated Roberts, the camp director.
“Not all college students right here have finest assist system at their colleges,” Roberts stated. “Some college students don’t slot in at dwelling, and right here, they’ve discovered individuals who perceive them and assist them. We would like them to construct this community of buddies and assist throughout the state as they start their careers.”
For the campers, it will probably really feel daunting heading right into a occupation present process such drastic change.
However the college students stated they will depend on the roots of the occupation, in addition to the instance set for them by academics who made a distinction of their lives, as they take the following step for Kansas training.
“It’s going to be completely different, however I believe we have to embrace that,” stated Madeline Byerly, a junior at Manhattan Excessive Faculty. “There may be some resistance and individuals who say, ‘The previous methods works good,’ however when it doesn’t, nobody likes to speak about that.”
“The longer term for instructing is vibrant,” Harter stated. “I’ve met so many sensible folks right here, and I’ve talked to numerous them about how they’ll find yourself instructing their classroom, and it’s wonderful to consider these prospects.”
Rafael Garcia is an training reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. He may be reached at rgarcia@cjonline.com. Comply with him on Twitter at @byRafaelGarcia.
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Kansas
Yuli Gurriel's Houston homecoming being realized with sudden Kansas City trade
![Yuli Gurriel's Houston homecoming being realized with sudden Kansas City trade Yuli Gurriel's Houston homecoming being realized with sudden Kansas City trade](https://cdn.abcotvs.com/dip/images/4328796_yuli-img.jpg?w=1600)
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — For the first time since Game 2 of the 2022 World Series, Yuli Gurriel will stand in the batter’s box inside Houston’s Minute Maid Park on Sunday. It just won’t be with the Astros.
On Saturday, the Kansas City Royals completed a trade with the Atlanta Braves to acquire the 40-year-old Cuban infielder, who has been playing on a minor-league deal. Despite the trade deadline having come and gone, the Royals were able to obtain Gurriel since he had yet to come up to the major league level in 2024.
The video above was produced in 2017.
And in a twist of fate, the Royals are starting Gurriel as the designated hitter when Kansas City and Houston face off Sunday in their series finale.
SEE PREVIOUS STORY: Former Astros teammates Yuli Gurriel and Alex Bregman reunite in heartwarming spring training photo
So, how did a sudden Gurriel homecoming unfold, and what was the first baseman doing since his exit after Houston’s latest world championship?
Gurriel’s final game with Houston was painful. In Game 5 of the 2022 World Series, he suffered a right knee injury that kept him out of the clinching game in Houston.
The Astros decided to attempt an upgrade at the first base position in the 2023 offseason by signing free agent Jose Abreu on a three-year, $58.5 million. The signing effectively put Gurriel, also a free agent, on the outs.
Gurriel signed a one-year deal with the Miami Marlins for 2023, where he played in 108 games and appeared as a pinch hitter in one postseason matchup.
The 40-year-old was back on the market for the 2024 season and signed with the Braves organization two weeks into the regular season. The Braves, who are in a dogfight with the Phillies for the National League East crown, were seemingly gearing up for a Gurriel call-up after he took reps as a second and third baseman in Triple A.
But after Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino broke his thumb during their series in Houston, Gurriel became appealing to postseason-contending Kansas City. He was reportedly traded for cash considerations.
Gurriel’s arrival on Sunday also coincides with major league rosters expanding from 26 to 28 players in time for the last month of the season.
The Houston Astros, who have found instant success with waiver-wire claim Ben Gamel and free agent Jason Heyward, both outfielders filling in the void left by Kyle Tucker’s injury, picked up Sugar Land Space Cowboys members Cesar Salazar, a catcher, and Forrest Whitley, a pitcher.
Salazar made his major league debut in 2023 and last played with the Astros on July 11 this year. Whitley, a San Antonio native, debuted on April 16, 2024, after eight seasons in the Astros minor-league system, but had yet to play again since.
Entering Sunday’s game, Houston holds a five-game lead over the Seattle Mariners for the American League West. The Astros head to Cincinnati on Monday for a series opener, take their first off day in 18 days on Tuesday, and resume the series with the Reds on Wednesday.
Houston can also add a wild-card bye into the postseason conversation. The ‘Stros sit three games behind the Cleveland Guardians for the AL’s second seed. The two teams face off for the last series of the season at the end of this month.
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Kansas
Kansas State players of the game vs UT-Martin
![Kansas State players of the game vs UT-Martin Kansas State players of the game vs UT-Martin](https://on3static.com/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/08/31201911/Tobi-UTM-1-1.jpeg)
Kansas State offensive MVP: DJ Giddens
It was another nice and easy day at the office for Kansas State running back DJ Giddens.
The Junction City running back went over 100 yards for the fifth consecutive game. His five game streak of going over the century mark is tied for fourth in K-State school history. Giddens finished the game with 124 rushing yards and added six receiving yards.
Dylan Edwards provided a nice spark for the Wildcat offense in his first game after transferring from Colorado. Edwards scored multiple times in the contest Saturday night with one on the ground and a receiving touchdown.
In the first home start for Avery Johnson, there were some ups and downs.
However, Johnson still finished with two touchdowns through the air and added some nice runs as well. Jayce Brown was a major bright spot receiving as well with 71 receiving yards. The true sophomore led Kansas State in receiving and had the most receptions with five.
Defensive MVP: Tobi Osunsanmi
For defense there was a few different options for MVP. I really wrestled back and forth between two.
Ultimately, I decided on Tobi Osunsanmi. The Wichita native was a man possessed in his snaps. He showed his elite burst and was able to get to the quarterback at a very high clip. Osunsanmi finished the game with 1.5 sacks (2.5 if he completes one instead of letting the quarterback escape).
He also added another quarterback hit to go along with the sacks.
Desmond Purnell was also flying around the field Saturday evening. He led K-State in tackles with seven and was tied for first in tackles for a loss with 1.5.
K-State special teams MVP: Ty Bowman
Anytime you can create a touchdown on special teams, it is an easy choice for special teams MVP. Ty Bowman blocked his second career punt in the season opener versus UT-Martin. The beneficiary of Bowman blocking the punt was Colby McCalister who returned the ball one yard for a touchdown.
Chris Tennant was also perfect on all of his kicks. Tennant knocked in a 45 and 43-yard field goal and was perfect on all of his extra points.
Kansas
Tulane Football’s Path to Victory Must Exploit Inexperienced Kansas State
![Tulane Football’s Path to Victory Must Exploit Inexperienced Kansas State Tulane Football’s Path to Victory Must Exploit Inexperienced Kansas State](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4096,h_2304,x_0,y_268/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/voltaxMediaLibrary/mmsport/tulane_green_wave_on_si/01j6mvw0vcfqn9xhqdjr.jpg)
The stage is set for Tulane football’s highly anticipated Week 2 matchup against the Kansas State Wildcats as they seek to become contenders on a national stage.
Intriguingly, the Green Wave and the Wildcats have some parallels on offense. Kansas State kicks off the season Saturday against FCS opponent UT-Martin, much like Tulane opened against Southeastern Louisiana.
Sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson will make his first regular season start, much like redshirt freshman Darian Mensah led Tulane to their 52-0 victory Thursday night. Johnson did appear in eight games as a true freshman and started for the team in the Pop-Tarts Bowl, beating North Carolina State.
However, he did so behind an offensive line that looks nothing like the one that will take the field next Saturday at Yulman Stadium. The Wildcats must replace four of five starters, including third-round draft pick Cooper Beebe. Just as Tulane had to find Vincent Murphy to take over for Sincere Haynesworth.
Though the group of returners isn’t exactly inexperienced, they don’t have any time playing together in concert. The lone starter remaining is right guard Hadley Panzer, who likely is starting this season at left guard. Presumed starting left tackle Easton Kilty is making his first FBS start.
It helps that Kansas State’s offensive line coach, Conor Riley, was promoted to coordinator. He has pieces to work with that have credible game snaps. The challenge is whether they can come together as a unit.
While Avery Johnson has more experience than Darian Mensah, Mensah benefits from a much more stable offensive line. Tulane returned both starting guards and right tackle and brought in key transfers to fill the remaining holes. In their season debut, they gave Mensah time in the pocket, but the run blocking left much to be desired.
Tulane brought in transfers on the defensive line to bolster their pass rush. They got to the quarterback twice with two sacks last Thursday, but the Bandit role was a point of concern. Their three-man front is spaced to spread out their top playmakers, Adin Huntington at defensive end and Patrick Jenkins at tackle.
With Huntington to the field and Jenkins to the boundary, it forces defenses to either focus attention on one side of the line or just shut down the best two players. That awards a lot of one-on-one opportunities for the rusher at Bandit. The players who rotated in the first game didn’t make much of a case.
Terrell Allen didn’t make any standout plays, nor did Matthew Fobbs-White, though the latter showed some disruptive abilities off the line of scrimmage. Frankly, Shi’Keem Laister was the most productive in a packaged role. Laister had a hurry and forced Southeastern to throw quickly, leading to incompletions on the drive.
Tulane doesn’t need the Bandit to be the hero, but they need a player to step up and credibly command attention to open up lanes for Huntington, who only recorded one hurry in his debut for the team.
Importantly, the team likely didn’t show their cards on the ways they might get to the quarterback. It might come from the second level. Linebacker Sam Howard had more pressure snaps than Fobbs-White and Allen, and he recorded a hurry and beat his blocker on another.
Could Tulane rely on blitzing and utilizing defensive backs and linebackers as rushers? Not all season. But creativity and confusion might just be enough to rattle the Wildcats as both teams race to figure out what the other is made of with merely one game of film.
The secondary came together as Tulane’s season opener went on, and should be a point of strength, but the best coverage is a pass rush. Especially with an opponent that has similar turnover and areas to exploit. For the Green Wave to pull off a victory on Sept. 7, the key lies in the lane to the quarterback.
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