The Future Teachers of Alabama chapter at Montevallo High School continues with their productivity and leadership during 2013 – 2014. The MHS organization already boasts three local chapter officers as state FTA leaders, with Emily Colley (State President), Alex Buttgereit (State Secretary), and Dylan Sanders (member of the State FTA Board). So, the entire organization is obviously doing some impactful things in Montevallo and throughout Shelby County.

During the fall semester, FTA helped the University of Montevallo with Future Falcon Day, which is an event to promote the University of Montevallo to 8^th graders across Shelby County and reveal the opportunities that the University provides as a future option for higher education. 

The MHS FTA also hosted a dinner meeting for other FTA chapters across Shelby County. Officers and teacher-advisors from the high school chapters of Calera, Chelsea, Pelham, Shelby County, Thompson, and Vincent joined Montevallo’s FTA leaders for a dinner meeting that consisted of good food, fellowship, and sharing ideas to better impact their respective schools and communities, as well as grow FTA within Shelby County. It was a productive meeting that allowed student-leaders across Shelby County to connect, network, and build stronger relationships, which is exactly what is practiced by successful educators in Shelby County and across the state of Alabama.

The MHS FTA also participated in a conference held by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), which allowed many members to obtain a better understanding of what being an educator is about. At the conference/school visit, students experienced programs, activities, and a sharing of ideas that will enhance their understanding of teaching excellence.

As the spring semester begins, the FTA at Montevallo High School has several activities being planned. One important event in which FTA will be involved is the State FTA Conference at the University of North Alabama in Florence. This will be yet another opportunity for students to build their knowledge base about what it takes to be great teachers. In addition to the conference, FTA members will continue to meet and collaborate at MHS and across Shelby County in an effort to grow as an organization. Students will be involved with hands-on experiences at the other local schools in Montevallo, with multiple classroom visits and observations planned at Montevallo Elementary and Montevallo Middle schools.