Future Georgia Educators visit Georgia Southern University

Learning to Change the World One Child at a Time

Members of the Future Georgia Educators (FGE) recently attended the Fall Leadership Conference at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, Georgia. The college of education at GSU teamed up with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) to plan an exciting day of professional learning, networking, and college visitation for students who may be considering a career in education.

During the opening assembly, students received advice from former Georgia Teacher of the Year, Jemelleh Coes. Coes said, “The ticket to greatness lies within every child. A great teacher is willing to turn over every rock, carve every stone, and open every candy bar until they find that golden ticket!”

Later in the day students attended workshops designed to help them learn more about the teaching profession. Among the favorites were “The Teacher I Want to Be”, “Middle School Rocks” and “Teaching for Change in Early Childhood Education”. Students also met representatives from other colleges and gathered information about the programs they offer. Sophomore Elizabeth Thomas said, “I really enjoyed the workshops because I learned a lot of things I need to know about teaching. In one of the workshops I learned how to get students motivated to learn and that the teachers have to know how to talk about certain things to their students.”

One of the most important tasks students were given was to provide input on education reform currently being considered in congress. “Governor Deal has asked for input from students who are considering teaching as a career. Key issues he wants their opinions on include teaching salaries, benefits and accountability. Those who attend the FGE conference are exactly the ones he wants to hear from,” said Mary Ruth Ray, FGE State Representative.

The day before the conference, FCHS students toured the campus of Georgia Southern and visited a real one-room schoolhouse that was used in the early 1900’s. “My favorite part of the trip was the one-room school house. I found it very interesting to see how students were taught before schools we know now were created. I got the opportunity to learn some of the instruction the students were given as well as what games they would play at recess,” said Sophomore Emily Garrison.