‘Future Teachers of America’ students sign letters of intent to pursue a teaching career

Ten seniors who plan to become teachers took part in a signing ceremony on May 18 at Burnsville High School, located at 600 E. Hwy. 13.

The ceremony, similar to those where high school senior athletes sign letters of intent regarding where they will play college sports, honors students who are committed to pursuing a teaching career.

Teachers Allison Millea, Dave McDevitt and Matt Deutsch, advisors of the Future Teachers of America (FTA) club, were on hand to welcome parents, teachers and students to the event. John Millea, from the Minnesota State High School League and Allison’s father, was a special guest speaker. 

Allison Millea began the signing ceremony by saying to the signees: “These are all amazing students that have made the commitment at ages 17 and 18 to go into education. Which is a huge thing to do! This is an amazing career, and I love it here.”

“We’re still your support team, even though you [won’t be] here anymore,” said Matt Deutsch, encouraging students to come back to BHS if they need anything while pursuing their goals. “It’s a powerful career; it brings me joy, even in the summertime because I’m thinking about the future things. You make a huge impact, and you can always find new and different ways to make your education career fresh again.”

Future teachers include:

• Christina Boyum — University of Wisconsin - River Falls
• Lindsey Brown — Florida Gulf Coast University
• Tyler Buerger — Minnesota State University - Mankato 
• Sylvia Croatt — University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
• Anna DeMarre —  University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
• Amy Flores Valadez — Drake University
• Perrine Gilbert — IPC Paris
• Braylon Lane — Hamline University
• Arelys McDevitt — University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
• Paige Skinner — University of Minnesota - Duluth

Through a partnership with Normandale Community College, the Education Pathway at Burnsville High School helps jumpstart students’ journey into the education field. Seniors can take two education courses and earn seven college credits without leaving the building.

The approach aligns with District 191’s Pathways model, which helps students think about and prepare for their futures by providing real-world opportunities right in the school, many of which lead to professional certifications or college credit.