Baldwin County School District launches program to tackle teacher shortage
The "Grow Your Own" program is an innovative approach that allows students to gain hands-on experience in teaching, earn dual credits and receive paid work-study opportunities.
MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Baldwin County School District has launched a new program aimed at addressing the teacher shortage and setting students up for higher education.
The “Grow Your Own” program is an innovative approach that allows students to gain hands-on experience in teaching, earn dual credits and receive paid work-study opportunities.
The program was officially launched on Wednesday, with Georgia College & State University and Central Georgia Technical College coming together for a signing ceremony.
The program offers students the opportunity to graduate from high school with an associate’s degree or college credits, making it easier for them to pursue higher education.
The “Grow Your Own” program is expected to help the Baldwin County School District address the teacher shortage while also giving students the chance to complete their degree in education and return to their community to teach.
“We are excited that Georgia College & State University and Central Georgia Technical College have decided to partner with us to make sure that we’re able to address the teacher shortage in our school district as well as Middle Georgia, and also give our students the opportunity to get their education and complete their degree in education and then come back home,” Baldwin County Schools Superintendent Dr. Noris Price said.
Students who have enrolled in the program say they’re excited bout the opportunity to learn different things, gain new experiences and pursue their dream of teaching.
“I think the main thing that really strikes me about this program is getting to learn from new people and getting to see and go out and everything like that,” one of them said.
Students who meet the Professional Standards Commission requirements are eligible to interview for a job with the Baldwin County School District.
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