Ten years of FGE Day hosted by COE

The University of North Georgia's College of Education (COE) hosted Future Georgia Educators (FGE) Day for high school students Oct. 22 at UNG's Dahlonega Campus. Held in partnership with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE), the event welcomed roughly 280 students from 15 Georgia high schools.

The keynote speaker was Charm Mapp, Georgia 2027 Teacher of the Year.

"The broad, societal narrative around teaching often focuses on the challenges of being an educator. FGE Days create an opportunity to share the rewards and benefits of teaching and foster a strong culture of community and collaboration among future educators from across the state," Dr. Kelly L.McFaden, associate dean for faculty affairs and community engagement, said. "We need educators who are passionate, committed, critical thinkers, and part of that starts with encouraging students early to think about education as a fruitful and fulfilling life-long career. Those who can, do; those who can do best, teach.”

Emma Weatherford was among the 10 COE ambassadors and one COE student volunteer supporting the event. Weatherford is a senior pursuing a degree in elementary and special education. She graduates in May.

"I'm here as an ambassador for the College of Education, and we really are passionate about getting more people in teaching," she said. "We're trying to inspire more people to be teachers."

Weatherford said she aspires to teach and help students attain goals.

"I love seeing children grow and become future leaders and helping them reach their goals and ultimately become productive members of society,” she said. "I love seeing a kid's lightbulb moment go off in their head."

Weatherford considers herself a leader, especially in the role of being an ambassador.

"I think taking the initiative to help others learn more about teaching and becoming a teacher is important," Weatherford said.

Emma Youdi, a junior from Flowery Branch, Georgia, also pursuing a degree in elementary and special education, enjoys her time as COE ambassador.

"Being an ambassador gives me an opportunity to lead. When we become teachers, we will lead a classroom," Youdi said. "Being here as an ambassador is giving us an opportunity to lead people who want to earn a degree in education and help them discover why they want to be a teacher."

FGE Days began in 2015, and UNG hosted its first event in 2016.

"UNG's FGE Day continues to provide the hands-on, engaging experience that prospective students need to feel to see themselves at UNG and as prospective teachers for the Georgia pipeline. We work hard to collaborate with departments across campus to host a great event that uplifts the value what being a Nighthawk looks like," Loren Bass, COE director of recruitment and community engagement, said.