Hundreds of high school students from the region attended Augusta University’s College of Education and Human Development for Future Georgia Educators Day on November 19. The event, held at the Summerville Campus in partnership with the Professional Association of Georgia Educators, aimed to encourage students interested in teaching careers.
The program included workshops, a college fair, and a keynote address by Rachel Kinsaul, the 2026 Georgia Teacher of the Year. Students had opportunities to learn about pathways into education and to hear firsthand experiences from educators.
Judi Wilson, dean of the College of Education and Human Development, addressed the attendees: “Our president, Dr. Russell Keen, says over and over that every interaction matters. I want that to sink in. Every interaction matters, and I so hope and pray that each of you felt welcomed, appreciated, valued and seen as you came here today,” Wilson said. “Thank you for thinking about becoming a future educator. Lots and lots of people tried to talk me out of going into education almost 40 years ago. And I’m so glad and so grateful that I did not listen to them.”
Wilson noted that while nationally only about 40% of education graduates remain in the field long-term, Augusta University’s College of Education and Human Development has a retention rate of 95% among its graduates.
She added: “I have had an incredible career as an educator, as a teacher, as a school administrator, as a district administrator, as a professor and then a leader here that hopefully influences the influencers, which is you, here in the room,” Wilson told the students. “Do not allow anyone to talk you out of being a teacher. The blessings that you get are far greater than the challenges that you’ll face.
“Teachers change the world one child at a time,” she said. “We are so glad that you’re here, and we hope that you’ll continue thinking about becoming an educator.”
Keynote speaker Rachel Kinsaul shared her own path into teaching: “I just wanted to testify that my mother was one of those naysayers,” Kinsaul said. “Every time she shares something on Facebook, she likes to remind people that, ‘I tried to talk her out of it.’”
Kinsaul described how working at Teton Valley Ranch Camp in Wyoming led her toward education: “I never thought I would become a teacher. I was a horse kid. I participated in rodeos in high school,” she said. “I ended up going to a kids’ ranch camp in Wyoming, and I loved it. I spent all four summers of college there, and what I loved about it was the wonderful chaos. I loved working with the kids. I loved teaching kids from all across the country about horses.”
She recalled telling her adviser about this experience: “‘He said, ‘Have you ever thought about being an AG teacher?’ And I said, ‘An AG teacher? What’s that?’” Kinsaul said with laughter.
With 15 years in classrooms now behind her—teaching agricultural science subjects—Kinsaul emphasized helping students become community leaders through agricultural education: “You, as a teacher, get to grow leaders,” she said. “Every single career starts with a teacher.”
Kinsaul also discussed hands-on learning projects such as creating floral arrangements for local events through her floral design class at Morgan County High School: “My students are challenged to work in different groups, learn about different classroom personalities, capitalize on each other’s strengths and get the job done,” she explained.
Her efforts have included leading fundraising for educational facilities like Morgan County Agricultural Learning Lab—a modern agriculture barn where students gain experience raising livestock.
Reflecting on effective teaching methods learned during her camp days in Wyoming Kinsaul remarked: “‘Excitement is contagious. If you’re excited about picking up poop in the barn…then the kids will be too,’” she quoted her former director before adding: “I think that is true. If I am excited, the kids are too.”
Students who attended expressed their enthusiasm for pursuing teaching careers after participating in Future Georgia Educators Day.
Florence Watanyar from Evans High School credited her Spanish teacher Gesella Lopez for inspiring her interest: “I’m interested in being a teacher thanks to Ms. Lopez… She is really close to her students… It made me think I want to make a change in other people’s lives like she does.”
Kuria Dixon from Westside High School commented on how engaging activities motivated her interest in kindergarten teaching: “Ever since I was younger… when teachers taught us about something with fun activities it stuck with me… That’s why I want to teach kindergarten because I love working with little kids and teaching them lifelong skills using exciting games.”
Giovanna Gilbert from Evans High School reflected on why teaching appeals to her after attending AU’s event: “I know teaching is important not just to educate young minds but help students become part of something better…I want to help my future students become the best people they can be.”
