Efforts to attract and retain teachers in Bartholomew County weren’t going to end with the passing of the most recent referendum.
The increases in teacher pay will prove vital moving forward, but Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. officials have made it clear it’s going to take more than wage raises to fill open positions.
BCSC’s newest program could prove huge in its master plan for keeping highly qualified teachers in the area.
On Wednesday, BCSC announced the launch of its “Pathway to Teacher Licensure Program.”
Those that go through the program will work full-time in classrooms while also earning their bachelor’s degree in education at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College via online learning.
BCSC will be paying for tuition and textbook fees under the conditions that participants maintain a certain GPA, “meet support staff evaluation goals," and remain with the school corporation until their degree is complete.
Upon graduating and receiving their licenses, participants will be guaranteed a teaching position and are expected to commit to remaining with BCSC for two years.
Applicants can include individuals already working in education, recent high school graduates or individuals who have experience working with children or youth.
By creating this program, it will entice people living in the area to not only get into education, but encourage them to stay in Columbus.
These teachers will be familiar with BCSC and its policies, and will have fostered relationships with both staff and students before they earn their final certifications.
In addition, the program may make it possible for low-income individuals to get their degree — another boost for the community.
While the program requires just two years of staying with BCSC after completion, the likelihood of those teachers staying will be that much higher after spending so much time with the district.
BCSC’s new program should benefit our youth in a big way in the not-so-far future.
