NATCHITOCHES – Former Northwestern State University Head Men’s Basketball Coach Mike McConathy opened NSU’s School of Education’s 2024 Regional Educators Rising Regional Conference Feb. 7.  McConathy spoke about the importance of education and the meaningful impact that individual teachers have on students. More than 200 middle school and high school students from throughout the region participated in competitions, information sessions and campus tours. Educators Rising is a movement in which high school and middle school students get information, inspiration and preparation to pursue education as a career, in partnership with higher education institutions.  The program is supported by the State Department of Education with the aim to increase teacher diversity and quality.  Information on Ed Rising in Louisiana is available at https://www.educatorsrisinglouisiana.org/.  Information on NSU’s School of Education is available at https://www.nsula.edu/education/.