By Josh Shepherd

Kentucky high school students thinking about education as a career choice received hands-on field experience at the Future Educators of America (FEA) summer camp. The camp, which welcomed 30 students this year, was held at the UK College of Education the week of Monday, June 13.

“The FEA camp shows high school students and incoming college freshmen the rewards that accompany a professional career in education,” said Rose Boulay, FEA camp director and the coordinator of minority recruitment and retention in the UK College of Education. The camp is operated through a grant from the Kentucky Department of Education’s Division of Educator Recruitment and Retention.

Over six days, students experienced UK campus life while participating in several introductory classes in education. There were presentations from College of Education faculty and staff members, Fayette County teachers, and FEA advisors about earning teacher certification, participating in college life, and making college affordable. The primary focus, however, was the emphasis on teaching as a career choice.

“The learning sessions are fun, hands-on experiences in teaching. Campers worked with college faculty and other professionals to learn about the teacher’s craft,” Boulay said.

The highlight of their experience happened on Thursday night. After campers participated in mock teaching classes through the week, they put their knowledge to the test by teaching middle school children at the Gainesway Community Empowerment Center in Lexington.

“The campers came away from that experience with a solid understanding of the challenges teachers face everyday,” said Boulay.

Billie Travis, the 2005 Kentucky Teacher of the Year, was the keynote speaker at the closing awards banquet on Thursday evening at Spindletop Hall. Mrs. Travis is a teacher from Georgetown Middle School in Scott County, Kentucky. She encouraged the campers to seriously consider teaching as a career. "As a teacher, you have a tremendous opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others."

For more information, contact Rose Boulay, (859) 257-1229 or Josh Shepherd, (859) 257-4014, jwshep2@uky.edu

Update on June 21, 2005 11:53 by the Webmaster - Content by Brad Duncan