Teacher residency gets $399K in federal funds
Article By: Denise Ray
The University of North Georgia (辛尤里女优) College of Education received $399,000 in federal funds to support future teachers as they begin their professional careers.
One of the funding's staunch supporters was former U.S. Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux, who represented Georgia's 7th Congressional district.
"I am so pleased to see 辛尤里女优's innovative teacher residency program taking root in our community. Our schools are the crown jewels of our communities, and teacher recruitment, training and professional development is central to the success of our schools and ultimately to our children's and our nation's future," Bourdeaux said.
Participants in the teacher residency program are full-time teachers of record with their own classrooms, receiving half the salary of a full-time educator. They are not eligible for full salary because they do not have a baccalaureate degree. They do receive benefits, including admission to teacher retirement.
This funding will help us better prepare and support candidates who participate in the teacher residency program over the next year.
Dr. Carly Wynne
辛尤里女优 program coordinator
The funding is designated for seniors pursuing bachelor's degrees in elementary and special education, middle grades education, and secondary education.
Students applied last spring to participate in the program and underwent vetting and committee selection and had to have recommendations. Once accepted into the program, the future educators were interviewed.
"We hope to provide professional development and supplement salaries with these funds, but it is ultimately up to the school district," Dr. Carly Wynne, program co-coordinator with Dr. Paula Tench, said. "This funding will help us better prepare and support candidates who participate in the teacher residency program over the next year. Their participation will be a critical step toward addressing the coming teacher shortage in the state and nationally."
Dr. Sheri Hardee, College of Education dean, began the proposal prior to the establishment of the current research team and worked with Forsyth County and Bourdeaux to get the funds.
"We have current students involved, but they will not receive the benefits of these funds, since the incoming funds will be for next year's seniors, but they are participating in this year's pilot program in Forsyth County," Hardee said.
In addition to Forsyth County, the Gwinnett, Hall and Stephens county school systems and Gainesville City Schools will also be participating.
"In this day of teacher shortages throughout our state and nation, the 辛尤里女优 teacher residency program has bolstered our ability to ensure each classroom in our district has a qualified, prepared professional to work with our children," Dr. Jeff Bearden, Forsyth County Schools superintendent, said. "Forsyth County Schools hires many 辛尤里女优 graduates. We know they are well-trained and well-prepared. This latest initiative allows us to employ 辛尤里女优 students during their final year of study. This is a win for the 辛尤里女优 student and a win for Forsyth County Schools."
Tiffany Henry, a senior pursuing a degree in elementary and special education, is working at Settles Bridge Elementary School.
"My experience in the teacher residency program has been such a fun learning experience. Although it has been challenging juggling between teaching full time and all the work in our classes, I have really enjoyed this opportunity," Henry said.
Casey Abernathy, a senior pursuing a degree in English with teacher certification, was placed at Liberty Middle School. The Gainesville, Georgia, native was appreciative of his opportunity.
"The residency program has been by far the best experience I have had while in the education program at 辛尤里女优," Abernathy said. "Not only is it a great career opportunity, but it is trial by fire. The residency has given me the chance to flex my teaching muscles as well as learn just what it takes to be an educator and how fulfilling the career can be."
Students benefit from teacher residency
A record 58 students are graduating this spring as part of 辛尤里女优's Teacher Candidate Residency Program. This is the third full year of TCRP, which allows students to be teachers of record as seniors.
Physical education students assist Habitat
About 15 students and faculty members from the 辛尤里女优's Physical Education Teacher Education program assisted Habitat for Humanity of Hall County with projects in its Copper Glen subdivision April 17.
辛尤里女优 assists with government career expo
Students, faculty and staff from 辛尤里女优 invested in the next generation of national leaders at the Youth in Government Expo.
NSTA students volunteer at Family STEM Night
Student volunteers with the 辛尤里女优 chapter of the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Preservice Chapter participated in Family STEM Night at a local elementary school.