Florida, along with other states, is suffering from a teacher shortage. Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa, FL has 435 teacher openings.
The school district has now been partnering with the University of South Florida having interns work direct with teachers in the schools. Undergraduates are then getting job offers from Hillsborough County Public Schools with the help of their on-the-job experience.
The program aims to increase field experience so the undergraduates are equipped with the knowledge and the tools needed when they graduate and begin their career. In addition to the University of South Florida, HCPS also works with Saint Leo University and with the University of Tampa for recruitment.
As teacher attrition rises because of the rigors of the profession, this partnership between the School District and the Universities may help improve teacher retention by helping better prepare undergrads for their teaching career.
Leave a Reply