Eighteen Demopolis High School attended the Future Teachers of Alabama (FTA) annual spring convention in Montgomery on Feb. 27-28.

It was one of the largest FTA gatherings in state history.

Twenty-seven high schools from across the state sent more than 250 students and advisors to the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center.

FTA is the Alabama Education Association’s high school student organization, and the spring conference is the highlight of the organization’s year.

The event is an opportunity for FTA members to gain valuable information that can assist them throughout not only the education process, but also when they enter college and the field of education.

The conference provides an excellent opportunity for students all over the state to meet and interact with others.

“The conference provided an awesomely rewarding opportunity for DHS students to meet other students who have similar career goals,” said Annie Robertson, the FTA and Exploring Teaching advisor at DHS.

The FTA and Exploring Teaching organization was added to the curriculum three years ago by DHS principal Dr. Isaac Espy.

The Alabama Education Association’s initiative is to encourage more students to consider teaching as a career choice and to nurture those students interested in teaching by providing them with hands-on experience and guidance from veteran teachers.

Students enrolled in the exploring teaching class also benefit from membership in FTA at no charge, thanks to two grants written by Ms. Robertson.

The grants also provided lodging at the Renaissance and travel via chartered bus to the convention.

Highlights from the conference included DHS receiving an award for outstanding local community project for their efforts to assist at the local animal shelter and DHS junior Shenique Collier was elected as a state board member.

Ms. Robertson and the group were excited to win because this was their first convention.

Reading coach Virginia Goodlett also chaperoned the group.

While in Montgomery, the students also toured the city, visited Auburn University-Montgomery.

Several breakout sessions included hints and tips for new elementary school teachers.

teaching strategies for secondary education, a workshop on secondary administration and a primer on financial aid.