JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Duval County Public Schools is implementing a new recruitment program called "Ready, Set, Teach!" which is intended to give people who have college degrees in other professions a chance to transition into education.
The information and screening session is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at the Duval County School Board building.
"I grew up in the public school system. I also raised two sons through the public school system," said Marilyn Barney, a pediatrics medical records specialist on the Northside.
Hearing about the teacher shortage is unsettling for her. This year, Duval County Public Schools has 63 instructional coaches and intervention along with 102 classroom teaching position vacancies.
"I feel that there's a disadvantage for the kids right about now," Barney said. "I see it as an opportunity for me to step in."
Barney is one of many community members applying for a teaching position through the program. People with college degrees outside of education with gain support and training to become certified teachers who will then fill the gap in our local schools next fall.
The program starts with a informational session and screening. 60 candidates will be selected for free tutoring and teacher exam prep. The candidates who pass the exam will be interviewed and placed in local elementary schools with open positions.
“A national shortage of teachers requires large urban school districts to be aggressive and apply out of the box initiatives to fill vacant teacher positions,” said Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Nikolai Vitti. The district is the 20th largest school district in the nation, educating more than 128,000 students in over 190 schools. “We cannot simply wait for candidates to apply for open positions but actively develop the next generation of teachers. This initiative is a step in that direction. ”
They will also be required to pass the state teacher certification program when they're hired.
"It's an opportunity for anyone who has passion," Barney said. "The gift of wanting to give back and help them out right now."
Barney has a taste of what it's like to teach. She worked as a substitute at local elementary schools last year and said that her experience inside and outside of the classroom will make her a well-rounded teacher and she's motivated to make the career change.
"It was so rewarding just to see that they were learning and listening and excited about listening it's never a dull moment," she said. "This is what I want to do... I have what it takes and I'm just excited."
Prospective teachers can visit www.duvalschools.org/Page/21494, call 904-390-2620 or email hrs@duvalschools.org.