GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — Gwinnett County Public Schools is partnering with Georgia State University's College of Education and Human Development in an effort to reduce the state's teacher shortage.
The partnership is called "The Pathways to Teacher Credentialing Project," according to a release by the district. The project will give provisionally licensed teachers who are currently working in a classroom and paraprofessionals with bachelor's degrees an opportunity to earn their Master of Arts in Teaching degree. This will prepare them to become certified teachers.
In addition, already licensed and certified teachers can earn their Master of Education degree to enhance their skills and grow in their careers.
Gwinnett Public School teachers and paraprofessionals who obtain these degrees through the program are also committing to teaching in the district for a certain number of years after they graduate. According to a release, this helps provide schools in the district with a more stable workforce.
The district's chief human resources officer, Cathy Hardin, said that the hope is the partnership will help hire more teachers as it demonstrates the willingness to support those teaching on multiple levels.
"Our partnership with GA State University is extremely important because it is creating growth opportunities in teaching for various audiences, which in turn supports retaining staff and closes the gap in a landscape of a national teacher shortage," Hardin said.
GSU's College of Education and Human Development associate dean and the project's director, Laura May, said the college is excited to see the district support this long-term professional development program.
"The quality of a child's teacher has a tremendous impact on their learning," May said.
The program is paid for by Georgia State, Gwinnett County Public Schools, federal and state-level TEACH grants and The Goizueta Foundation.
"We want to be seen as an employer that is innovative and collaborative. This partnership is a great example of both," Hardin said.
To learn more about the partnership, click here.