Research shows that more than 60% of educators choose to teach in close proximity to the high school they attended. In the classroom and through extracurricular activities, GCPS is helping to prepare the next generation of teachers with the hope that many of these “homegrown” educators will return to the district to start their careers.
To celebrate and connect with GCPS students who plan to become teachers, the school district is holding its annual Teacher Signing Day on Monday, Feb. 8. The virtual event will feature inspiration from GCPS Teacher of the Year Katie Blum, scholarship presentations, opportunities to network with professional organizations and GCPS curriculum leaders, and a college fair. One of the most exciting highlights will be a celebration of GCPS seniors who have signed a Letter of Intent to return to teach in Gwinnett.
While COVID-19 has restricted after-school activities like Future Educator Clubs, more than 1,000 students are enrolled in courses in our Early Childhood Education and Teaching as a Profession programs, offered at many GCPS high schools. Through these education-focused Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, students can complete three or more related courses as a pathway to postsecondary study and a future career.
“These CTE classes offer students an opportunity to explore the profession, develop key skills, learn about the art and science of teaching, and even plan instruction and help out in a classroom setting,” says Tim Hemans, executive director of Academies and Career and Technical Education for GCPS. “Hands-on learning like this allows kids to gain experience and get a preview of their future in the classroom as a teacher. That’s how we ‘grow our own’ here in Gwinnett.”
If you are a student interested in participating in Teacher Signing Day, join us at 7 p.m. on Feb. 8 for the streaming event. (The link for the event—https://tinyurl.com/TSD2021—will be live on the evening of the event.) Seniors can request a letter of intent packet at https://tinyurl.com/futureteacher2025.
Teacher Signing Day is sponsored by the GCPS Foundation Fund, Inc., the office of Academies and Career and Technical Education, and Human Resources and Talent Management (HRTM).
Questions about Teacher Signing Day or the Letter of Intent? Send an email to Patrice Pendergast or Beth Autrey in HRTM.