According to a 2019 study by the Student Research Foundation, 3.6% of all high schoolers want to become teachers. In an effort to unite students with a common interest in pursuing a career in education, Mrs. Heather Ward and Mrs. Adrienne Stumb are bringing the Future Teachers of America Club to the high school next year.
Mrs. Stumb was first approached by a student, Kara Lawrence, who inquired about having a FTA at WHS.
“When I came to the high school I wanted to find out about clubs I could join, but I could not find anything specific to students who want to go in the education field,” Lawrence said. “I noticed that there were lots of clubs related to other careers which made me hope that we would be able to get a Future Teachers of America club started back at Watauga.”
The Future Teachers of America club (FTA), sometimes also called the Future Teachers Club (FTC), is an extra-curricular public school organization operated as a “club.” FTA’s goal is to encourage young people to choose teaching as a career and provides a way for students to participate in realistic education activities.
“The club will provide support and encouragement to students through realistic and hands-on activities and internships,” said Mrs. Ward. “I believe FTA will also help bring a broader understanding of the different fields within education.”
With the COVID-19 pandemic came many challenges, and a good deal of these challenges fell on the teaching field.
“The field of education is a calling,” Ward said. “It is a challenging calling, but more rewarding than most any profession. I wanted to support and foster this calling in the lives of young students who want to become an educator.”
The club is planning to meet every Monday after school starting in the 2022-2023 school year. Club members will be involved in activities that inform them about topics such as misconceptions in education, learning styles, early childhood development, diverse learners, author studies, etc. These activities will include guest speakers, projects, and service learning projects such as internships and collaboration with local elementary schools.
“I think this club will be a great opportunity to learn more about what it means to be a teacher and have the opportunity to volunteer in the community,” Lawrence said. “I am so glad that there are teachers like Mrs. Stumb and Mrs. Ward who are willing to help get this club started.”
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