Mar 27 2025
Teacher shortages are challenging educational institutions nationwide, impacting the quality of education. While many districts seek external candidates, Hernando County Schools in Florida is adopting a unique strategy to cultivate home-grown talent.
In response to a significant shortage at the beginning of the 2023–2024 school year, Hernando County launched the Associate Teacher Substitute program. This initiative, developed with BloomBoard, provides associate degree holders the chance to earn a bachelor's degree in elementary or special education from Lake Erie College with no cost to them. It offers:
This program is designed to develop dedicated educators while minimizing costs compared to hiring full-time certified teachers.
The program also opens career pathways for paraprofessionals and community members with associate degrees, enabling them to transition into teaching roles. With many already possessing classroom experience, the district offers a route to certification, fostering both professional growth and community stability.
Since its inception, the program has seen substantial success, with a 58% decrease in instructional vacancies and a remarkable 96% retention rate among the first cohort of educators. Furthermore, more than 150 individuals are on a waitlist to join. Looking ahead, Hernando County plans to extend this model to secondary education and collaborate with local colleges for traditional licensure pathways.
By investing in local talent, the district aims to create a sustainable future for education, demonstrating that the solution to teacher shortages often lies within the community's own resources.
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