Auburn’s College of Education hosts Future Teachers of Alabama Eastern Conference

Cheyann Poague and Emma McCrary from Lexington, Alabama, were two of over 500 middle and high school students to arrive on Auburn’s campus Friday for the Future Teachers of Alabama (FTA) Eastern Conference, hosted by Auburn’s College of Education.

“This is my second year attending the conference, and I learned so much in last year’s breakout sessions that I was excited to come back again,” Poague said.

“Being in FTA has been a great experience, and I’m still undecided about my career path, so this conference was a great opportunity for me to learn more about the profession,” McCrary added. “I’m excited to learn more about what it takes to be a teacher.”

Students and their advisors from 35 different schools across the state of Alabama converged in Auburn’s Harold D. Melton Student Center to explore teaching as a potential career path.

The conference kicked off with the opportunity for students to visit with college representatives and interact with Aubie before attendees were welcomed by College of Education Dean Jeffrey T. Fairbrother.

“We are excited by your interest in the teaching profession and want to encourage you as you consider a field so focused on helping others and making the world a better place,” Fairbrother said to the crowd of future educators.

After introductory remarks, students participated in four breakout sessions led by Auburn faculty and education leaders, designed to inform about the realities and opportunities of the profession.

• Empowering Future Teachers: Using AI Responsibly and Creatively in the Classroom

• Sparking Curiosity: Bold Strategies for Engaged Elementary Learners

• From Surviving to Thriving: Preventing Burnout Before You Begin

• COURSE Scholars: Building Auburn University’s Next Generation of Educators

Following lunch, students attended the general session and heard from the National Education Association’s Aspiring Educator Chairperson before closing remarks from Auburn College of Education Associate Dean for Academic and Faculty Affairs Jared Russell.

This marks the second year in a row that Auburn’s College of Education has hosted the event, which emphasizes the college’s mission of building better futures for all through education.

“FTA emphasizes leadership and professional development, encouraging students to develop positive attitudes toward the teaching profession and their communities,” said College of Education Student Services Coordinator David Shamp. “By hosting the FTA Annual Conference, Auburn’s College of Education strengthens its role as a statewide leader in educator preparation.”