Empowering Educators: Strategies to Fulfill the Teacher Workforce Gap

by: Sharon Michalik, Director of Communications, Bay District Schools

If you’ve heard newly-appointed Bay District Schools Superintendent Mark McQueen speak recently, then you’ve heard him reference the "Team of Teams" approach mentioned by author Stanley McChrystal in his leadership book "Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World." This concept highlights the symbiotic relationship of various smaller teams within large organizations/communities who work together to solve complex problems. In Bay County, the recently formed Bay District Scholars embodies this approach, aiming to address the widespread issue of teacher shortages through a collaborative effort involving Bay District Schools, Gulf Coast State College, Florida State University Panama City Campus, Grand Canyon University, the St. Joe Community Foundation and the Bay Education Foundation.

The central idea behind Bay District Scholars is to encourage experienced classroom paraprofessionals and support employees without four-year degrees to pursue higher education and secure the qualifications required to become certified teachers. The three educational institutions involved Gulf Coast State College, Florida State University Panama City Campus, and Grand Canyon University guide each student individually through the intricacies of financial aid applications. After students secure primary funding, the foundations try to bridge any remaining financial gaps.

Superintendent Mark McQueen noted the foundations play a critical role in the program. "GCSC, FSU-PC and GCU are doing a phenomenal job of securing financial aid for our students,” he said. “But the foundations are mission critical as well because even a $200-$300 gap in funding each semester can keep someone from being able to afford college.” McQueen said Bay District Scholars is a wise investment for all of Bay County. “We’re investing in our employees, and we're taking this journey with them every step of the way,” he explained. “By investing in our employees, we’re investing in our community and the ultimate academic achievement of our students.”

Bay District Scholars receive one-on-one support, problemsolving assistance, and tutoring when necessary, with a commitment to teach for Bay District Schools for at least two school years in return. Most of the members of the inaugural 2022-2023 cohort of more than 50 employees have completed two semesters of college without incurring any personal expenses, thanks to innovative financial aid teams and foundation support. Another 75 employees are enrolling for the Spring or Summer of 2024.

The program's success hinges on the unwavering commitment of the St. Joe Community Foundation, the Bay Education Foundation, GCSC, FSU-PC and GCU. April Wilkes, Director of the St. Joe Community Foundation, is a strong supporter. “We believe in investing in education, and we’ve made significant contributions to Bay District Schools over the years,” she said. “This program aligns completely with our mission and vision, and we’re excited to invest in our own BDS employees and to help them achieve their dreams, which, at the same time, guarantees our children have trained, certified educators in their classrooms.”

The Bay Education Foundation, with its history of funding educational grants and enhancing educational opportunities, echoed those sentiments. Director Dr. Kelly Langenberg said the foundation “believes in empowering educators with quality professional development and support, so adding our support to Bay District Scholars absolutely makes sense.”

The Bay District Scholars program has already achieved remarkable success, thanks to the dedication and perseverance of all involved. Participants like Terry Rigdon, a veteran classroom paraprofessional, are achieving success one college class at a time. Rigdon said one-on-one support through Bay District Scholars gave her the courage to go to college.

“I always felt like I could be a teacher, but the steps involved with returning to college were just too daunting for me to get started,” she said. Terry, who has two adult children of her own, said working full-time and going to college is challenging but possible thanks to the support she has received. “I was struggling in my math class, but the college found me tutors, and then the district recruited certified math teachers to help tutor us, which made all the difference.”

While foundation funding is crucial, the program's success is only possible through the dedicated efforts of the staff from the three participating colleges and universities. GCSC Executive Director of Community Outreach, Katie McCurdy, explains their commitment to mentoring these adult students. “Many of the Bay District Scholars have been out of school for a long time, so coming to college can be intimidating,” she said. “We’re here to literally walk them through every single step of the process, from application to financial aid to scheduling classes and finding textbooks. We want to be a constant source of support in their lives, and we’re determined to help them all succeed.”

That personal approach is replicated across the street at FSUPC. “FSU Panama City has a long history of training future educators for teaching positions in the Florida panhandle,” explained Dr. Elizabeth Crowe, Program Director of Elementary Education. “We are excited to expand what we do already to support future teachers who are already making a difference in Bay County classrooms,” she added. Crowe noted about half of the FSU-PC Elementary Education students are already classroom paraprofessionals for BDS.

GCU, a new partner for Bay District Scholars, offers an entirely virtual education for BDS employees who cannot attend face-to-face classes. Their program consists of short six-week semesters, focusing intensively on one course at a time. GCU is a new but enthusiastic partner. “We’re very excited to kick off our first BDS cohort with about 30 students,” said Angie Walker, University Development Manager with Grand Canyon. “We think this program will be a model for many others, and we’re honored to play a role in such a worthwhile cause.”

With decades of experience as a paraprofessional for students with special needs, Terry is excited about the opportunity to become a teacher. “Our students need us now more than ever,” she said, “and there just aren’t enough certified teachers out there, so this is a great way that people like me, experienced paraprofessionals, can take the steps we need to become the certified teachers our students need and deserve.”

Ultimately, the Bay District Scholars program hopes to generate a pipeline of 100 teachers a year. This additional source of qualified and certified Bay County educators would establish a sustainable and robust source of educators for Bay District Schools. As the program's success grows, we hope it will serve as a model for other school districts, inspiring similar initiatives nationwide.

Superintendent McQueen is an ardent supporter of the program and those participating. "I am incredibly proud of the Bay District Scholars program and all the dedicated individuals who have joined this initiative,” he said. “This program exemplifies the spirit of our expanding BDS Team of Teams, where we collaborate to shape the future of our community. As we look to the future, we are excited about the positive impact this program will continue to make."

To support the Bay District Scholars program and make a difference in local schools and the community, you can get involved as a sponsor or partner by contacting BDS at BDScomm@bay.k12.fl.us. The initiative is committed to #BuildingABetterBay, one graduate at a time.