The University of North Georgia's (UNG) College of Education (COE) co-sponsored Future Georgia Educators (FGE) Day to identify, recruit, prepare, and retain the next generation of Georgia's teachers. Roughly 175 students from local high schools attended the Oct. 31 event, held at the Convocation Center at UNG's Dahlonega Campus.

"It was such a full-circle moment to see my old high school and teaching as a pathway teacher. It really showed these students that this passion simply does not go away and that there are great educators who are here to support you through this passion. It was such a great day, and I feel like these students really needed to hear the positives to teaching as lots of social media now only shows the negatives," Elise Brubaker, a COE ambassador, said.

The experience was beneficial as a both a college student and an ambassador, Brubaker said.

"I was able to present in front of these students and give them an insight into why teaching and UNG," Brubaker said. "From the student perspective, I was able to practice those public speaking skills and interacting with others, which benefits me in the long run as I want to become an educator."

Brubaker is a senior from Cumming, Georgia, pursuing a degree in elementary and special education.

Jordan Ensley, a senior from Blue Ridge, Georgia, said the event will help students with their career plans.

"I am very excited to be able to guide other future educators to our program, which truly is the best, and be a support for those also looking to be an educator. Also, public speaking and giving presentations on this day will benefit my eventual classroom experience, " Ensley said.

Ensley is the president of the COE ambassadors and is pursuing a degree in middle grades education with concentrations in English language arts and social studies.  

"There were so many high school students that were interested in becoming future educators, and in particular, there were a lot more males than I expected. This goes to show you that this program is quickly expanding and that there are places for everyone within the College of Education," Brubaker said.

This is the second time Diane Gomez, a senior from Cairo, Georgia, participated in the event.

"I wanted to participate since it provides me with a great opportunity to interact with students who are interested in education. Being able to participate in the event allows us to collaborate with surrounding schools and build those connections," Gomez said. "Last year's FGE Day experience was just as rewarding and has positively influenced my perspective. I am very happy to be able to support the College of Education here at UNG."

Gomez is pursuing a degree in elementary and special education.

"The purpose of hosting FGE Day is to promote the teaching profession and encourage high school students to consider careers in education," Dr. Christian Bello Escobar, COE director of academic and community engagement, said. "The event provides these students with a comprehensive experience, helping them transition from high school to college and introducing them to leadership, service and learning opportunities that prepare them for a future in education. It also aims to foster and enrich the next generation of aspiring educators through workshops, interactive competitions and exposure to college life."