Future Educators Academy: October 2026 Updates

Home » Future Educators Academy » Future Educators Academy: October 2026 Updates
<< Return to the FEA Homepage

Getting to Know You

At the start of the new academic year, Professor Jennifer Strickler provided each student with a name tag that also included different questions as part of an icebreaker activity and to help students make connections with one another. The students had some great answers we thought we’d share with you!

There are some common themes in many of their replies:

What would you do in life if money weren’t an issue?

  • Skyla: I would like to give back to teachers and students in need by donating money, food, and school supplies. I would also like to go to different places in the world to speak up and help teach!
  • Gela: I would travel the world and help other countries build things. I would give out money to people on the streets.
  • Saedie: I would donate to a charity or travel the world!
  • Sarah: Teaching
  • Hannah: Travel the world and help others
  • Brooklynn: I would live on the beach & travel & I would teach!
Smiling student in a Laurel Ridge Community College Future Educators Academy t-shirt holding a green marker at a classroom table with colorful cards
Brooklynn making her name tag.

I wish I had more time for…

  • Téa: Deepening relationships with new people
  • Chloe M.: Fun with friends, and sleep
  • Maggie: Seeing my friends!!
  • Dani: Family and friends
  • Sophi: Reading for fun and baking!
  • Charlotte: Seeing the people I love!
Student in a Laurel Ridge Community College Future Educators t-shirt writing on a card with a blue marker at a classroom table with craft supplies
Charlotte writes her answer.

Speaking of Getting to Know You

We included the group picture of our juniors and seniors together in our Welcome article last month; but here they are with their respective cohorts:

A group of FEA students standing in a garden setting in front of the campus.
FEA Class of 2027
A group of FEA students standing outside around a sign that says “Welcome New and Returning Students!” with the Laurel Ridge Community College words in logo at the bottom.
FEA Class of 2028

And They’re Off!

FEA students began their practicum assignments on Friday, Sept. 25, working alongside cooperating teachers in 13 designated elementary schools in five counties. These placements provide valuable classroom-based, teacher-shadowing experiences ranging from a minimum of 20 hours to more than 200 hours before the practicum concludes on Jan 15, 2027.

A group of 3 FEA seniors standing in their classroom with their blue FEA folders and cinch packs.
Seniors with their FEA folders and cinch packs.
Ms. Brooke Ache, Third Grade Teacher at E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School standing in hallway with FEA junior, Keanna.
FEA junior, Keanna, with her cooperating teacher, Ms. Brooke Ache (third grade) at E. Wilson Morrison Elementary School.

Before we sent them on their assignments, our EDU professors prepped them on what to expect in this experiential learning environment. Juniors are expected to engage, dress professionally and have positive attitudes. As this is their second year, seniors are expected to observe teacher and student interactions, assess the value of classroom materials, glean information about instructional strategies and pedagogy, and engage with the students, the teacher, and the curriculum.

The juniors were provided with an FEA polo shirt and a lanyard for professional dress. Seniors already have their polos from last year and were given a practicum starter pack consisting of an FEA cinch pack, folder and lanyard.  Make us proud and set good examples with the littles, future educators!

First Speeches in Public Speaking

Professor Sarah Pangle, instructor for CST 100: Principles of Public Speaking, shared a few great photos of FEA juniors as they gave their first speeches!

Group of students smiling in a classroom, some seated on the floor and others at desks, with an instructor standing at a podium beside a whiteboard
First Real Speeches Day in Public Speaking class.
Student standing at the front of a classroom reading a children's picture book aloud to classmates seated on the floor
Hannah presents to the class.

FEA Begins Its Second Year with a New Cohort of Students Earning their Associate Degree in Education

In a news release written by Sally Voth, Laurel Ridge’s strategic content writer and social media coordinator, some of our students shared why FEA is important to them and should continue.

Four people smiling behind a Laurel Ridge Community College Future Educators Academy information table with brochures, pennants and a prize wheel
Professor Strickler, with the help of a few FEA students, recruited last fall for the current Fall 2026 cohort.

Please Note

  • Students are not to leave campus between classes. Once they arrive at Laurel Ridge, they must remain on the premises until the FEA day ends.
  • Attendance: Please email [email protected] with any attendance alterations (absences, early dismissals, late arrivals), no later than 8 a.m. the day of occurrence. For early dismissals/late arrivals, students will need to check in (or out) with the FEA Office (The Lodge, Room 325) before going elsewhere.  
  • Practicum Days: If students are absent/leaving early/arriving late, please email your Laurel Ridge practicum instructor (Professor Johnson or Professor Strickler) and your cooperating teacher at the elementary school, and include [email protected] to notify them of any changes no later than 8 a.m. that morning. 
  • If a student is struggling, please reach out to Mrs. Killough sooner rather than later, via email at [email protected] or phone (540) 868-7235 so that we can connect you with the right resources. 

Important Dates for FEA:

  • Oct. 1 – The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens (Seniors)
  • Oct. 13 – Field Trip to Belle Grove (Juniors)
  • Oct. 19-23 & Oct. 26-30 – Virginia College Application Weeks (Seniors)
  • Oct. 28 – Scary FAFSA Event at Middletown Campus
  • Nov. 2 – Virtual day
  • Nov. 3 – No classes
  • Nov. 25-27 – Thanksgiving holiday/closed
  • Dec. 7-11 – FEA finals week
  • Dec. 14 – Jan. 15 – Students continue in practicums every day, Monday-Friday, when their school is in session
  • Jan. 19 – FEA spring semester begins
  • March 19 – Future Educators Transfer Day 2027 at Laurel Ridge
  • April 23 – Shenandoah University campus tour (Juniors)
  • May 4 – Senior celebration (Juniors and Seniors)
  • May 14 – Laurel Ridge commencement (Seniors)