From hands-on coding workshops for elementary students to professional development for P-12 teachers, Southeast Missouri State University continues to strengthen its role as a leader in regional education. Through its SEMO Educators Advantage program, professional development events, substitute teacher seminars and the EDvolution Center, SEMO supports thousands of teachers and students every year.
“Our mission is to serve not just future educators, but all educators,” said Jana Gerard, coordinator in the College of Education, Health and Human Studies and the EDvolution Center. “We offer tools, training and support that impact classrooms across the region.”
Continuing Their Degree
Last year, SEMO began partnering with regional school districts to bring advanced education opportunities to educators all over southeast Missouri. SEMO’s Educators Advantage program offers exclusive benefits to school districts and educational organizations across the region. These partnerships provide educators with reduced tuition rates for online graduate programs, helping teachers advance their credentials affordably and flexibly. Participating districts also gain access to University-hosted events, EdTech workshops and customized support.
Continuing Their Education
Gerard regularly presents at SEMO-hosted professional learning events such as the Ed Tech Academy, IgnitED and the AI Summit, where regional P-12 educators gather for hands-on sessions and cutting-edge insights. Her presentations cover artificial intelligence in education, digital literacy, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and SEMO’s student-developed STEAM Kits.
Tell Me More About the EDvolution Center
“These events are about real-world application,” Gerard explained. “Teachers leave with ideas and tools they can implement in their classrooms the very next day.”
SEMO’s support for education also extends directly to students. Gerard leads interactive summer workshops for elementary school students using age-appropriate coding and engineering tools. Students explore STEM concepts with Snap Circuits, LEGO, Squishy Circuits and more, building excitement for learning through hands-on experiences. 
At the heart of SEMO’s educational outreach is the EDvolution Center, a hub for innovation in teaching and learning. The Center is open to all SEMO students, faculty and staff—not just those studying education—and serves community educators as well. From 2019 to May 2025, the EDvolution Center welcomed more than 28,000 patrons, including 3,300 P-12 students and educators and nearly 1,000 community members.
“We provide access to coding kits, STEAM tools and making materials,” Gerard said. “It’s all about lowering barriers and helping educators bring creativity and technology into their classrooms.”
To further support schools across the region, SEMO regularly hosts Substitute Teacher Seminars that provide the training required to become certified by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The next seminar will take place August 5–7 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at SEMO’s Sikeston Regional Campus.
As SEMO continues to grow its education programs and partnerships, the university remains focused on equipping today’s educators—and tomorrow’s—with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to succeed.
For more information about SEMO’s education programs and Educators Advantage program, or to become a partner visit semo.edu/online. To register for the August substitute seminar, contact metraxel@semo.edu.