Henry County Schools launches innovative new program aimed at creating sustainable teacher pipelines
HENRY COUNTY SCHOOLS LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE NEW PROGRAM AIMED AT CREATING SUSTAINABLE TEACHER PIPELINES
A joint venture featuring Southern Crescent Technical College and Mercer University
October 27, 2022 - Henry County Schools announced a new initiative in partnership with Southern Crescent Technical College and Mercer University. The partnership seeks to develop and support sustainable teacher development pipelines in Henry County.
Executive Summary | Press Release | Signing Ceremony
Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis said, “As leaders at every level of government identify teacher preparation and recruitment as one of our nation’s most urgent priorities, we are excited to announce a replicable teacher pipeline model by partnering a school district, technical college, and post-secondary institution -- and customizing a future teacher’s high school course sequence and post-secondary experience.”
The program, which is called Tomorrow’s Teachers Today is positioned to be the very first of its kind in Georgia. By design, full implementation involves a three-phase process which includes:
- Early identification and recruitment of teachers starting in kindergarten
- Enhanced career pathways to teaching including up to 33 dual enrollment credits and paid internships while in high school, and
- Accelerated paths to teaching as an undergraduate and university graduate
With these program elements, the Tomorrow’s Teachers Today program will allow direct access from high school to salaried teaching apprenticeships and the completion of an undergraduate degree.
Dr. Irvin Clark, President of Southern Crescent Technical College added, “This is what it’s all about - partners working together to keep students in Henry County. We are proud to support this initiative.”
“Although public education across the country is facing historical strains on its workforce, Henry County Schools is optimistic that our future talent is in our classrooms today,” said Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis. “This work is more than vital to the future success of public education, this work is critical for our community to continue to thrive.”
Tomorrow’s Teachers Today will officially launch in the 2022-2023 school-year.
