NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Sophia Clinger, an education studies senior at Stephen F. Austin State University, was one of 18 college students selected from 500 applicants to participate in the Women and the Constitution conference hosted by the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia recently. Clinger, of Crosby, is the first preservice teacher ever to be selected by the center for the honor.
The conference is part of the broader Women and the Constitution initiative launched by the center in 2020 on the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment’s ratification. Clinger, a student in SFA’s educator preparation program, is training to be a social studies teacher, which helped her stand out among the applicants, according to Dr. Sarah Straub, associate professor of education studies at SFA. Teachers selected for the honor are usually in-service teachers already working in the classroom, not preservice teachers still in college.
“I’m so proud of Sophia for applying for this amazing opportunity,” Straub said. “Experiences like this let her see history up close, learn from experts and connect with teachers who’ve been in the classroom. She’s didn’t just learn facts — she learned how to help her future students think critically about our history and why it matters today.”
Clinger spent three days connecting with scholars who specialize in women’s suffrage from both historical and legal perspectives. She explored the 19th Amendment exhibit and Signers’ Hall, and gained powerful insights into the fight for women’s equality. The program was fully funded, covering travel, meals and lodging.
“I want to thank Dr. Straub so much for sharing the application information with me,” Clinger said. “This has been such a wonderful opportunity. I am the first history preservice teacher ever to attend this conference. I have learned so much from the resources provided and the scholars and other teachers who attended. It was an emotional and empowering experience.”
In addition to the educational and networking opportunities, Clinger enjoyed Philadelphia’s historic district, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Ben Franklin’s printing press and historic Quaker meeting houses.
For more information on SFA’s educator preparation program, visit gosfa.com/edprep.