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Raegan Donovan was one of 1,300 middle and high school students from throughout the state who attended Wednesday’s Future Teachers of Alabama Conference on the campus of Auburn University. 

Donovan, a 12th grader from Woodville High School in Woodville, Alabama, said the event — hosted for the first time by Auburn’s College of Education — was extremely helpful in preparing her for her future career in teaching. 

“It was super helpful to hear about the experiences of those who have already become teachers,” Donovan said. “Now I know what to expect from a career in education. 

Future Teachers of Alabama, or FTA, is an organization of middle school and high school students who are interested in becoming teachers and exploring a career in education. The FTA’s 2025 conference began with a formal presentation of speakers in Auburn’s Student Activities Center. Those in attendance heard from FTA President Cardarrien Whitlow, of LaFayette High School, as well as Jeffrey Fairbrother, dean and Wayne T. Smith Distinguished Professor of Auburn's College of Education.

“Teaching is more than a profession,” Whitlow told the crowd. “It’s a calling, and together we are the future of education in Alabama.”

Fairbrother echoed those sentiments, thanking those in attendance for their commitment to such a life-changing profession.

“It was quite an honor for our college to host this great event,” Fairbrother said. “We are thankful for the opportunity to encourage students to consider a field so focused on helping others and making the world a better place.” 

The day’s attendees also heard a keynote address from Kimberly Christian Johnson, the 2022 Alabama Teacher of the Year and recipient of the 2024 National Education Association Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence. Johnson encouraged conferencegoers to pursue their dreams and to be leaders in all they do as teachers, now and in the future. 

Students and their advisors also attended several breakout sessions on such topics as Preparing to Become an Education Major, Teach in Alabama and a Survival Kit for Aspiring Educators. 

“My favorite session was ‘What to Wear or What Not to Wear to a Job Interview,’” added Lannah Beard, another Woodville High School senior. “I have a big interview for a scholarship coming up, and I feel so much more prepared.”

Attendees learned plenty about what it’s like to be an educator, and they also had the opportunity to learn more about what the college experience is like for a future teacher — especially in Auburn’s College of Education.

“Students from all over the state were able to gain exposure to Auburn’s campus and education programs,” said Student Services Coordinator David Shamp. “We look forward to working with the FTA again and serving as a helpful resource to students who aspire to become teachers.”

To learn more about Future Teachers of Alabama, visit their website. More info on how Auburn’s College of Education specializes in educator preparation and teacher development at both the undergraduate and graduate levels can also be found online.