Here at Oliver Ames, Future Educators of America (FEA) strives to connect students interested in pursuing education with elementary school teachers by setting up classroom observations and volunteering hours. This club is a great opportunity for anyone interested in education due to the hands-on experience FEA provides.
Mrs. Almedia, the advisor of FEA, is the current fashion, child development, and cooking teacher, alongside Mrs. Cambra. She loves connecting with students interested in education and hopes they can experience the same joy she feels working in this field. Mrs. Almedia joined OA in 2015, when FEA was already a running club.
“When the previous club advisor retired, I applied for the position and was appointed as a co-adviser with another interested teacher who is no longer at OA. I was in FEA when I was in High School, but there weren’t many club activities, so I really wanted to provide a meaningful experience for students who want to explore the career of teaching,” Mrs. Almedia said.
Since becoming the club advisor, Mrs. Almedia has made it her mission to connect students interested in teaching with young students as well as teachers at Blanche Ames. Unlike the Child Development class currently offered at OA, FEA strives to deliver more of an “internship-like” experience which is a great opportunity for current highschoolers, allowing them to get a step ahead in their future career.
“It is always helpful to meet other students who have the same career goals and to connect with teachers and mentors who can provide support and encouragement. Students also gain “hands-on” experience in the field, which helps determine the age groups that students would like to work with.”
FEA club is not just limited to BA volunteer hours, due to it being unlike any other club offered at OA, club members don’t often see each other. Mrs. Almedia acknowledges this and takes it upon herself to plan fun activities that allow students to bond with other club members.
“We also schedule fun activities for club members to connect with each other. Over the years, activities have included “cookie connections” baking hours, pizza parties, and coffee hours with teachers. We also attend the annual FEA conference, which is usually hosted by Bridgewater State University.”
