The Sage Informer

Monticello High School’s Future Educators of America (FEA) club gives students a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a teacher, from organizing classroom materials to completing time-consuming tasks like alphabetizing, laminating, and stapling. Many FEA aides also work one-on-one with struggling students as tutors, gaining valuable hands-on experience. 

This year, the Future Educators Association (FEA) has seen a notable increase in participation, growing from an average of 30–35 members in recent years to 44 members. The rise in interest is likely due to students building stronger connections with teachers and wanting to continue helping them year after year, as well as sharing their positive FEA experiences with friends. 

Students interested in joining must attend an informational meeting at the start of the school year and complete all required steps early, as spots are limited and membership closes after the first month. Those who missed the opportunity this year are encouraged to watch for announcements next fall if they are interested in joining.

For some, FEA is not only a chance to give a helping hand—it’s a taste of the future profession. Junior Kahla Mast said her experience in FEA helped confirm her want to become a teacher. “I’m in FEA because I want to be a teacher. I enjoy being around kids and this is a great experience for the future,” she said.

Mast is aiding a third-grade teacher, Mrs. Cortez, and she spends her time grading papers, making copies, and working with students one on one. “I enjoy it because this is what I want to do in my future. It’s preparing me for it and letting me experience what teaching is really like,” she explained.

For others, the club provides a new perspective on the teaching profession. Junior Egan Curry joined FEA to gain a deeper appreciation for what teachers do every day. “While I’m interested in a career in teaching, I’m in FEA more because it provides valuable insight into what the jobs of our teachers are like,” Curry explained.

She currently helps Sra. Ehrhardt in Spanish class, grading classwork and quizzes, and previously helped at an elementary school. “All of these extra insights into the world of teaching make the club a very worthwhile experience for me,” Curry said.

Sophomore Reese Glynn joined FEA to be able to help and work with young children. “I’m in FEA because I love being able to help!” she said. Glynn assists Mrs. Welter, kindergarten teacher at Washington Elementary, with workbooks and helping students in class and recess. Having enjoyed her first year in the club immensely, Glynn is excited for the second. “I wanted to be involved in a club and thought helping teachers would be fun. I enjoyed last year a lot and am excited to see how this year goes!”

Sophomore Abby Allender sees FEA as an opportunity to gain helpful life skills even if she doesn’t become a teacher. “I’m in FEA because I feel like it’s a great opportunity to learn to have a good relationship with kids for whatever you want to do with your life. It’s a useful skill to have,” Allender said. Abby hopes to become a second-grade teacher someday and currently helps Mrs. Coleman, her own kindergarten teacher. “I usually cut out laminated things for her,” she said. 

With experiences like these, Monticello High School FEA members are not only acquiring skills of value—they’re being taught the rewards and downsides of the education profession. From confirming a calling to teaching or gaining respect for our teachers, FEA is giving students a real insight into the nature of education.

Skyler Thomas, Staff Writer

thosk26@sages.us