Future educators at Fort Valley State University feel they have the right resources to set them up for success.

Student Teacher Darius Philpot says, “Fort Valley State University requires us to do so many hours of experience. By the time I graduate I will have experience over 1000 hours. And it gives us an opportunity to be able to teach in many diverse environments. So I feel that we'll have the upper hand on other colleges that don’t offer experience to their students.”

Fort Valley State University Education Majors attend different conferences related to the education profession. And they also take part in student teaching programs which gives them the opportunity to experience real life as a teacher.

Philpot says “We’re teaching for four weeks straight so we get an opportunity to attend faculty meetings, core curriculum meetings and meetings with the staff.”

Student Teacher Marsheila Balsingane says, “We're basically taking the role of the lead teacher. We are writing all of the lesson plans, we are in control of classroom management. Everything that the lead teachers are doing we are able to do.”

Because of their experience these student teachers feel they have an upper hand over other future educators. But they still have some concerns about the job market.

Balsingane says, “The fact that a lot of educators were laid off in the past and are also trying to apply for those same positions. But I do believe as a graduate of Fort Valley State we do have an edge over the other students that are graduating around the area as well.”
And even though it may be a competitive market these student teachers feel they are ready to take on the task of teaching.

“I think that I will be more than ready to take on the responsibilities as a lead teacher,” said Balsingane.