FTA: Not Just For Teachers

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Maddie Spencer

Juniors Sydney Katz and Maddie Spencer review options of FTA.

Maddie Spencer

Future Teachers of America is a club at Oakdale for those who are interested in pursuing a career in education. It allows future educators to connect with other students who have the same passion for teaching others.

 

Caroline Paroby, President of FTA at Oakdale, explained, “FTA supports learning about the education field and teaching by bringing passionate people together and discussing different occupations. Last year we had some guest speakers, helped with Teacher Appreciation Week with anonymous notes and volunteering at the teacher luncheon, and organized a Book Drive at OHS to donate books to local elementary and middle schools in need.”

 

There are monthly meetings that include various activities. Paroby comments, “Meeting are about once or twice a month and they involve sharing ideas for activities to get involved in, based on what the group’s interest are. Brainstorming ideas around makes plans for the club so we can carry them out.”.

 

FTA also helps high school students form basic teaching skills and leaderships skills, which can be beneficial in any profession, not just education. It also provides exploration for careers in educational field and opens up opportunities for careers. People who aren’t interested in going into the educational field can make connections with all different kinds of people in other occupations.                    

 

Gaining insights in working with children and peers is vital in order to be an educator, and Future Teachers of America offers this skill set. This skill set can also be used in other areas besides being an educator, such as babysitting or a job dealing with children.

 

Future Teachers of America also looks excellent to colleges, as it shows interest and involvement in a career field. The activities involving the clubs are great to put on job applications and college applications, showing engagement and involvement.