The Association of Future Educators is having its last seminar event, “A Teacher’s Panel Workshop,” on Nov. 26 at the Alamitos Bay Room from 6 to 8 p.m.
“The Association of Future Educators is a student-run organization that helps to prepare future educators attending Cal State Long Beach for the classroom,” faculty adviser Hilda Sramek said.
AFE has events usually once a month in which it offers workshops on lesson planning, interviewing, resumés and other job strategies. The group also invites experienced teachers to come and speak about their experiences.
“We are a fairly new organization that began 10 years ago on campus, and we’re determined to help students transition from students to teachers,” Sramek said.
AFE meetings focus on special presentations and hearing guest speakers talk on special topics relevant to education majors.
“Most students in AFE are in the liberal studies program for multiple subjects, but you can also be a single-subject student as well,” said Sramek.
The cost is $10 per semester, and once members attend a certain number of events each semester, their card is stamped. They are then considered an active member, receive a certificate at the end of the semester and are entered into drawings for teaching supplies. Those interested can become a member at any of the meetings or events. Students interested in being more involved in the planning of AFE events are welcome to apply to open positions.
To become a member of AFE there is no application, but all must participate in two to three events per semester.
Some of the events and workshops include Christmas parties and the Fall Social, which is held at the end of the semester.
The organization includes President since 2006 Lucy Montano, Vice President Hang Lam, Treasurer Rosemary Bravo, Secretary Gabriela Ortego and officer Maya Claros.
“They all work very, very hard to make all of this happen,” Hilda said.
Students must be enrolled in a minimum of six undergraduate units or three graduate units and maintain a minimum semester and cumulative GPA of 2.0.
AFE also has an outreach program in which it brings in students from middle schools and high schools for campus tours.
“[It’s] a great program. It’s very beneficial for students because most teach afterwards and usually become friends,” Sramek said.
To be added to the organization’s e-mail list and get reminders of AFE meetings and events, visit the liberal studies office in University Library East or the SERVE office in ED1, Room 17.
The next meeting is today. The monthly meetings are held Mondays in USU 303 at 12:30 p.m., with the next meeting after today’s’falling on Dec. 10 at 12:30 p.m.
