Calling Future Educators!

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In a recent episode of The River 95.3’s radio show, The Valley Today, host Janet Michael welcomed Brandy Boies, Laurel Ridge Community College’s director of public relations and special events, Brenda Byard, the Future Educators Academy (FEA) coordinator, and Professor Lori Killough, the education program lead to discuss the Future Educators Academy, a program designed to fast-track high school students into teaching careers that is being launched at the college next fall.

FEA partners with local high schools to offer dual-enrollment courses that count towards both high school and college credits. This enables students to earn an associate of science degree in education by the time they graduate from high school. The academy, which is being hosted at both the Middletown and Fauquier campuses, focuses on preparing students for elementary and special education teaching positions.

Byard explains that the program was initiated following Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposal for laboratory schools. Laurel Ridge is partnering with Germanna Community College on the academy. Germanna welcomed its first FEA students in fall 2024.The program includes “flex” Fridays, where students engage in practicum placements, guest speaker sessions, field trips, tutoring, and test prep.

Killough mentions that the program targets high school sophomores who apply to join in their junior year. It is free for students, including all materials and a computer. Byard emphasizes that students need a 3.0 GPA and must have completed Algebra II, but can also qualify through placement tests or standardized test scores.

The application and selection process includes a lottery system to ensure fairness. The program encourages students to give back to their communities by teaching in their local schools for at least two years post-graduation.

Both Killough and Byard share personal anecdotes about the rewarding nature of teaching and the various career paths it can open up, including coaching, working in the textbook industry and beyond.

For more information, visit laurelridge.edu/FEA. Registration for FEA ends on Thursday, January 30, 2025!