Kansas high school students looking toward the future have the opportunity to see if they want to be among the future generation of teachers, coaches, counselors, education researchers, speech therapists – every profession that begins with a degree in education.
Applications are being accepted for the 28th annual Kansas Future Teacher Academy; the application is available at www.emporia.edu/teach/kfta/. Current high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors are eligible to apply. Applications need to be submitted by April 10, 2017.
"KFTA was one of the best experiences," said Hayley Yocum, a graduate of St. Mary's High School who attended the academy in 2013. "It is a great experience and I'm so thankful for all the friends I met and information I received."
Yocum explained she bonded with other academy participants "over our love for our future career."
In encouraging other Kansas high school students to attend, Yocum added "KFTA is so worth your time, even if you're just thinking about teaching as a career!"
The KFTA will be held June 11-15, 2017, at Emporia State University. During this time, academy participants will work with education faculty from area school districts, ESU education faculty, and meet with new teachers, academy alumni, the 2017 Kansas Teachers of the Year, and the 2017 Kansas Master Teachers.
“Our goal is two-fold for the students: give them an overview of the process of becoming a teacher – including developing a lesson and working with children – and provide them with a keyhole experience of what it would be like to attend college as an education major," said Dr. Roger Caswell, Co-director of the KFTA.
High school students are selected for the academy based upon their academic standing, involvement in school and community activities, and interest in exploring a career in teaching.
Funding for the academy is provided by the Kansas legislature and is coordinated by the Jones Institute for Educational Excellence at ESU. For more information about the academy, visit www.emporia.edu/teach/kfta/ or contact Roger Caswell at 620-341-5372.