A large group of high school students pose for pictures around an oversized picture frame with cutouts of pencils around the border and the words "Future Educator."
The event offered students the chance to familiarize themselves with ’s campus and envision their future as educators. 

Future Georgia Educators Day inspires next generation of teachers 

’s welcomed nearly 300 high school students for Future Georgia Educators Day on Nov. 14. 

The daylong event, hosted in partnership with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, featured workshops, a college fair and a keynote speaker, all with the goal of preparing students for their future in teaching as classrooms across the nation continue to face staffing challenges.

, PhD, associate dean of COEHD, said the event aims to encourage students who are passionate about education to follow their calling.

“If teaching is where their heart is, we want to show them the possibilities,” Barker said. “It’s about giving them the tools and preparation they need to succeed. Our retention rates for education graduates are 95%, compared to a national average of 40%, and that preparation is what makes the difference.” 

The event offered students the chance to familiarize themselves with ’s campus and envision their future as educators. 

“Just being here and seeing all the opportunities in education is huge,” Barker said. “It’s about planting the seed and letting students know they can achieve great things.” 

Woman standing up on stage holding up two fingers with picture behind her.
Holly Witcher, the 2024 Georgia Teacher of the
Year, was the keynote speaker.
[Felicia Baskett/]

Holly Witcher, a special education teacher at Tesnatee Gap Elementary School in White County and the 2024 Georgia Teacher of the Year, was the keynote speaker and delivered an inspiring address to the students. She shared personal stories from her journey, sparking excitement among attendees and encouraging them to pursue their passion for making a difference in the classroom. 

“She really showed us why teaching is important,” said Maddison Plair, a student at Harlem High School. “My mom is a principal, and my dad is a special education teacher, so I’ve always looked up to them. When I was little, I always used to pretend to play school. This event reminded me why I want to follow in their footsteps.” 

Students from Richmond, Columbia, Jefferson and Burke counties participated in workshops on topics including “Why I Teach,” which reinforced their commitment to education, and “So, You Want to Be a Principal,” which highlighted career advancement opportunities. 

High school students sit in a large classroom during a workshop.
Students took part in numerous workshops and
seminars to prepare them for careers in the
education field.
[Felicia Baskett/

“These workshops give students the chance to step away from their everyday routine and think critically about their future,” Barker said. “For many, it’s their first time on a college campus, and that exposure is invaluable.”

Brooke Blunt, a junior at Columbia County Virtual Academy, said the event solidified her plans to become an educator. 

“Next year, I’m starting dual enrollment at ,” Blunt said. “After that, I plan to earn my master’s in elementary education and teach special education for fourth grade in Harlem.” 

For Tyler Malloy, a student at Lakeside High School, the day was especially meaningful as a future male educator. 

“Being here gives me role models to look up to,” Malloy said. “It shows me that, as a man, I can succeed in education and make an impact.” 

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Written by
Felicia Baskett

Felicia Baskett is the coordinator for communications, planning and external relations in 's College of Education and Human Development. Contact her at fbaskett@augusta.edu.

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