At Fannin County High School students have the opportunity to complete a variety of career pathways. One of those is “Teaching as a Profession” where students learn about careers in the field of education. Mrs. Jill Dyer, the Coordinator of the program, says, “We want the students in this pathway to learn that expectations for teachers are always changing based on the 21st Century needs of a global society. The students in these courses learn about current trends in curriculum and educational policy and how important it is that they remain active participants in their local school system as they one day become parents and community leaders.”

The Teaching as a Profession pathway consists of three high school courses along with an Internship where students work alongside a mentor teacher at the middle school or one of the elementary schools in Fannin County. During this time students gain first-hand experience by interacting with younger children individually and in small groups. Sarah Millsaps, a Senior student intern, says, “The best part about taking the classes in the Teaching as a Profession pathway is working with your mentor teacher and helping the kids in their class. It really helps you see all of the things that teachers deal with on a daily basis and helps you decide if teaching is right for you.” One of the biggest advantages of this program is that students who complete the pathway can earn college credit by submitting a portfolio of their work to the teacher’s education program at any college in the University System in Georgia.

The Future Educators Association is the extra-curricular student organization that supports the pathway. FEA allows members the opportunity to attend workshops and conventions and compete in teaching-related contests at the state and national level. For example, the FCHS Knowledge Bowl team consisting of three students, Emilee Towe, Will Panter, and Amber Brooks, won First Place at the Georgia Spring Conference last year. This event tested the students’ knowledge of educational terminology, history and legislation. FEA’s main service project is to provide teachers at FCHS with small gestures of appreciation during Teacher’s Appreciation Week. If you or your business or civic organization would like to support this organization with a tax-deductible donation, please contact Mrs. Jill Dyer at Fannin County High School. All proceeds will go towards registration costs for the students that attend the state and national conferences.