One Thomas County Central High School student is continuing his quest to become an educator and to help positively impact the state education system. Junior Caleb Moore will spend his second consecutive year on State School Superintendent Richard Woods’ Student Advisory Council.
According to the Georgia Department of Education website, the council is comprised of students in grades 7-12 “who discuss how decisions made at the state level are affecting students throughout Georgia.” According to the Sept. 13 GaDOE press release, more than 1,500 students applied to serve this year.
“After serving last school term, there was no doubt in my mind about taking a shot and reapplying for this year’s advisory council,” Moore said.
Moore’s motivations to be on the council include preparing for his future career: he hopes to become a middle school English and math teacher.
“Being on the council equips me for the education field and what to expect as an educator,” Moore explains. “At the end of this experience, I am sure that my leadership skills will be inimitable and my drive to be an educator will be stronger than it already is.”
Advocacy, Moore continues, is “strongly encouraged” on the council, too, and members participate in various service projects. They also address educational problems and the future of Georgia's educational system.
“These advisory boards are important because they educate the students on what is going on in Georgia’s education system,” Moore said. “It is crucial that the youth have [a] voice so they can have a say in certain aspects of Georgia’s educational system, as they have to go through it.”
Council members discuss a variety of topics and act as liaisons between the GaDOE and the state’s students. Past topics have included testing, the school dropout rate and student leadership.
“Every year, it is so valuable to hear directly from students through my Student Advisory Council,” Superintendent Richard Woods said in the official press release. “In the past, we have made direct changes based on student feedback, and I look forward to working with these 142 students who I know will make an impact. I’m so grateful for every student who took the time to apply and share their thoughts.”
High school council members will meet Oct. 4 this year and Jan. 17 and April 11 of 2018.
“I am looking forward to continuing our topics from last year,” Moore said. “Just the thought of me making it back again to continue last year’s work makes me happy.”