Please go to the next page and click on the pictures for enlargements

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 welcomed over 40 students this year from all across central Kentucky.

“The FEA camp shows high school students and incoming college freshmen the rewards that accompany a professional career in education,” said Dr. Rose Boulay, FEA camp director at 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 representing 24 Kentucky high schools experienced UK campus life while participating in several introductory classes in education. There were classes and special 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 campers came away from that experience with a solid understanding of the challenges teachers face everyday.”

Students also heard inspiring words from Roszalyn Akins, the 1985 Fayette County Middle School Teacher of the Year and Dean of Students at Leestown Middle School. Ms. Akins encouraged campers to fulfill their dreams and the dreams of other students and teach.

Updated on July 18, 2006 11:01 by the Webmaster - Content by Brad Duncan