Roaring start for NUSD’s new support program to attract diverse future teachers: 101 applicants

--- Published on January 26th 2018 ---
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Getting an innovative Natomas Unified teacher recruitment program off to a roaring start, a total of 101 prospective teachers have applied for financial supports to earn their credential in return for a three-year teaching commitment to help meet the diverse needs of our students.

Past NUSD graduates are a priority for recruitment by the program, which is open to current district employees in non-teaching positions as well as to college graduates planning to pursue their teaching credential next year. The goal is to create a pool of diverse future teachers with solid ties to Natomas and its students.

NUSD’s 101 applicants will be interviewed by panels of teachers, site leaders, and district leaders on Saturday, Monday and Wednesday (Jan. 27, 29 and 31). Fifty-three teachers and administrators will participate in the interviews, giving future teachers and current staff an opportunity to interact.

The district plans to select its first cohort of recruits, perhaps 20 members, by mid-February. The program is expected to continue for three years, providing financial support of up to $18,000 per teacher to a total of about 45 credential candidates.

NUSD’s program responds to California’s teacher shortage by committing one-time state money – not available for ongoing operating expenses – to support exemplary candidates who would support NUSD’s incredibly diverse community and serve as a pipeline for hard-to-fill subject areas.

Participants will be provided with a laptop computer and up to 80% of the one-year costs for their teaching credential program. They also will receive a $500 monthly allowance if they live within NUSD boundaries while earning a credential. Additional financial supports will be provided to encourage diversity and to recruit in hard-to-fill subject areas.

Teachers can meet the program’s diversity objective in numerous ways – they can be bilingual, for example. They can have a track record of involvement in organizations that support underserved students. They can have a history of academic interest in areas such as gender, race, multicultural studies – or perhaps they grew up in neighborhoods matching NUSD’s demographics.

Emphasis also will be given to easing the strain in hard-to-fill subject areas, such as Math, Science, World Language, Special Education, and Career Technical Education. The program was approved by NUSD’s Board of Trustees on Oct. 11 and the application period began later that month.

Candidates selected for the credential incentive program are expected to begin teaching in NUSD in 2019-20 after successfully earning their teaching credential next year.