High school seniors are working to figure out the right career choice before college, and an event Tuesday at the University of North Georgia-Dahlonega wants to offer some guidance.
Future Georgia Educators (FGE) Day is hosted by UNG and is coordinated by FGE and the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) to show students considering a job in education what it is really like.
The event will feature a keynote speaker and seminars, including ones about a day in the life of a college student, led by UNG orientation leaders, how to be successful and a teacher preparation program.
Cindy Sherill, Director of Clinical Engagement and Community Partnerships for the College of Education at UNG, said it's the student connections that really make the difference when it comes to recruiting future teachers.
"The college ambassadors sit there with them, share their excitement for the teaching profession, what to expect from the teaching preparation program, and many, many students decide based on that interaction to give teacher education a try."
Sherill said the events also gets the teens excited for college. In addition to interacting with current students, there is also a campus tour, lunch at the school and a college fair.
"I feel like the overall benefit is for students to actually visit a college campus - many of these students will be first generation college students - and to actually have our College of Education students talk with them and give them experience of what it's like, their excitement for college life and for teaching, in particular. They talk to them about the placements out in the school system, what that's been like for them the past couple of years and the joy they've experienced in the public school classroom."
The event will take place Tuesday on the Dahlonega campus. It is the only one in the area for students in FGE, education pathway, or other groups; the next closest event will be in the spring at the University of Georgia.
