Teacher Quality Institute Hosts FEA Conference

Murray State University’s Teacher Quality Institute (TQI) hosted the annual Future Educators of America Conference on September 29, 2004 at the Murray State University Curris Center. There were 325 high school students in attendance, an increase of almost 100 from the 2003 conference. The students in attendance were members of local Future Educators of America chapters. The conference is held yearly to provide an opportunity for students to explore education as a career, gain information about attending college, and participate in competitive events that prepare them for the state and national conferences. In addition to activities for the students, special sessions were planned to give advisors the opportunity to meet each other, share ideas, and obtain information from state and local leaders.

The day began with a welcome from W.A. Franklin, TQI Director, and a program, “Whale Done” presented by Karen McCuiston, Director of MSU Center for School Safety. The opening session was followed by competitions and workshops held across Murray State campus. The competitions were in the areas of impromptu speaking, essay writing, chapter display, and chapter scrapbook. Workshops covered a variety of topics, including “Teaching History” and “Managing Your Time.” Tours of campus were offered during this time. The conference ended with a luncheon and presentation of awards.

Shirley McKinney, coordinator of the conference, remarked, “MSU colleges have cooperated with the Teacher Quality Institute to provide students with a broad range of opportunities to explore educational opportunities in various areas.” The conference has created a lot of awareness and positive feedback from students and advisors who have attended. The next conference is scheduled for September 27, 2005.