Campbellsville University

Campbellsville University hosts FEA Regional Conference

Campbellsville University hosts FEA Regional Conference

11/09/2010

Donald Smith, right, superintendent of the Marion County School System, was among the speakers at the recent Future Educators Association (FEA) conference recently at CU. At left is Dr. Brenda Priddy, dean of the College of Education. (Campbellsville University Photo by Munkh-Amgalan Galsanjamts)

Donald Smith, right, superintendent of the Marion County School System, was among the speakers at the recent Future Educators Association (FEA) conference recently at CU. At left is Dr. Brenda Priddy, dean of the College of Education. (Campbellsville University Photo by Munkh-Amgalan Galsanjamts)

Nov. 9, 2010
For Immediate Release

 

By Katie Johnson, student news writer

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - “There is no higher calling than helping others reach their greatest potential,” said Dr. Michael Carter, president of Campbellsville University, to high school students of the Future Educators Association (FEA) recently.

The FEA Regional Conference, organized by Dr. Donna Irwin, associate dean and professor of education, was held on CU's campus for another year.

Eighty-one students involved in the association from surrounding schools, including Central Hardin, North Hardin, Taylor, Campbellsville, Metcalfe County and Pulaski County, were in attendance.

The conference consisted of seminars, competitions, campus tours and the presentation of scholarships.

The guest speaker for the opening session of the conference was Donald Smith, superintendent of Marion County and one of the first African-American superintendents in Kentucky. Smith told the students of his difficult past, coming from poverty and a broken home, but he overcame these obstacles and became the successful individual he is today.

Smith shared his beliefs on education saying, “If you can't make a difference, then don't get into this profession because it's about changing lives.” He told the assembly that teachers must look beyond a child's circumstances and learn to love, respect and understand them.

After hearing Smith's address, Sarah Caswell, a student from Central Hardin High School, said, “I've always loved being around children and being able to change a child's life is what it's all about.”

After the session, the competitions began in which there were six categories: impromptu speaking- student is given a topic on the spot regarding teaching and speaks for three minutes; ethical dilemma- students are given a potential teaching scenario and present suggestions; job interviews- student resumes are submitted, top five are interviewed then two are chosen; essay- students respond to an article in written form; lesson plan and deliverer- students submit video of them teaching a third grade class; PSA- students create a one-minute video presentation encouraging teaching.

FEA helps future teachers understand why educating young minds is so important. Campbellsville University helps support the mission of FEA by hosting the regional conference. Dr. Brenda Priddy, associate professor and dean of the school of education, said, “We firmly believe that becoming a teacher is a calling in your life.”

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with over 3,000 students offering 63 undergraduate programs, 17 master's degrees and five postgraduate areas. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.