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The University of North Georgia's College of Education (COE) partnered with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) to host Future Georgia Educators (FGE) Day for more than 300 high school students on Oct. 30 at sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÍøÒ³Èë¿Ú's Dahlonega Campus.

In the history of hosting FGE Days, only sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÍøÒ³Èë¿Ú and the University of Georgia have had more than 300 participants. This year's event was also the largest FGE Day that sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÍøÒ³Èë¿Ú has hosted.

With a keynote address from the 2026 Lumpkin County Teacher of the Year, a knowledge bowl competition, workshops, and a college fair, the day offered a variety of touchpoints to get students excited about the education field.

"FGE Day can make a huge impact because it lets students actually see themselves in the role of a teacher. When they talk to people who love what they do and hear their stories, it's inspiring. Sometimes that's all it takes — one conversation, one experience — to help a student realize this is something they could see themselves doing," said Dr. Kelly L. McFaden, COE associate dean for faculty affairs and community engagement and interim department head of Social Foundations & Leadership Education. "It also builds confidence and community. They leave feeling encouraged and supported, knowing there are so many people out there who believe in the importance of education and want to help them succeed."

Marlee Peppers, a senior at River Ridge High School, was inspired by a teacher her freshman year at River Ridge to become an educator. Peppers serves as president for her school's FGE chapter. They usually attend an event similar to FGE Day at Kennesaw State University, but she decided to bring the group to sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÍøÒ³Èë¿Ú this year to try something different.

"It's been a great experience," Peppers said. "Everyone has enjoyed getting to see the campus and hear people speak."

Maggie Beard, a sophomore at North Hall High School, has always wanted to teach and has enjoyed getting to have an internship at local elementary schools. She found FGE Day to be another helpful experience on her journey toward teaching.

"It was nice getting to talk to different schools and learn more about dual enrollment," Beard said. "It was also good to see the different education pathways."

Mary Ruth Ray, FGE coordinator and membership services representative for PAGE, is grateful for sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÍøÒ³Èë¿Ú and the other schools that welcome students for the FGE Day events.

"Hosting on a college campus is of utmost importance to PAGE. Many of these students have never been on a college campus, and many come from families where no one has attended college," Ray said. "Having the opportunity to be on campus and envision themselves attending college is a first step to getting them there."

McFaden expressed gratitude for the sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÍøÒ³Èë¿Ú faculty, staff and students who volunteered to support FGE Day.

"This event isn't possible without their hard work and dedication," McFaden said.