(L-R) Gus Wiggert, Marc Vega, Matthew Kotek, and Charlie Keyes
The Lasallian Teacher Immersion Program (LTIP) Cohort 5 began Sunday, May 15, in Glencoe, MO. The revamped LTIP session is a nine-week summer program ending July 15. The four participants are Charlie Keyes, Matt Kotek, and Gus Wiggert from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, MN, and Marc Vega from Lewis University in Romeoville, IL.
LTIP is designed to encourage college-age men to discern a career in education. The program is sponsored by the Christian Brothers Midwest District, Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN, Lewis University, and Saint Mary’s University. To date, 27 students have participated in the program.
LTIP has shifted from taking placing during the semester to the summer to offer education majors more flexibility and help them graduate in four years. It is for students preparing to enter sophomore year.
The program begins with three weeks of study and service in St. Louis, MO. That is followed by two weeks at Holy Family Catholic Worker shelter in Kansas City, MO where students learn about the plight of the poor and the gospel response, sort and prepare food for the homeless, conduct activities at an inner-city daycare center, and take part in other service opportunities involving the homeless. The next step is a three-week immersion experience at Ocean Tides, an alternative residential school in Narragansett, RI. Participants study theology and education, live in community, and work with court-adjudicated youth.
LTIP ends with a three-day retreat for participants to process their experiences and complete academic requirements.