Florida A&M University’s College of Education has received a $500,000 grant from the Florida Department of Education to provide future educators with resources to reduce the state’s teacher shortage.
In 2022, the Florida Education Association reported that there was a total of 10,771 advertised vacancies in Florida schools. The FEA attributed the shortage to low teacher pay, lack of support for teachers and lack of job security. These factors contributed to large numbers of teachers experiencing workplace burnout.
The state’s DOE is trying to resolve this problem with initiatives like the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grow Your Own Teacher Grant. The grant helps universities create or expand registered apprenticeship programs.
This is FAMU’s second year receiving the grant, which connects elementary schools across Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson and Madison counties with elementary education majors.
Sarah Price, dean of the FAMU College of Education and one of the program’s administrators, told Rattler Nation that this new apprenticeship program is vital for future education majors.
“These full-time para-educator roles not only help our students earn their degrees but also enhance the apprenticeship pipeline for teacher education. This initiative strengthens our relationships with local schools regarding student placements,” Price said.
Recent FAMU graduate Winzie Wilson is unsure whether the apprenticeship program will be impactful enough to combat teacher burnout after experiencing the classroom first-hand. “Fostering a culture of respect for educators and opportunities for educators to voice their grievances, share their concerns and be a part of administrative decisions would be helpful in addressing and mitigating burnout,” Wilson said.
Despite her apprehension of the program’s effectiveness in remedying teacher burnout, Wilson feels that gaining classroom experience as an undergraduate student was critical to her success as a teacher. “Attending FAMU has been transformative. The resilience and determination required to succeed there have prepared me to thrive in any environment. Additionally, my internship at Florida State University Schools was pivotal in shaping my teaching skills and professional disposition. It gave me invaluable hands-on experience and taught me how to connect with students effectively without compromising the quality of instruction and the teaching/learning experience,” she added.
Students like Arianna Cromarty, a graduating secondary English education major, feel the apprenticeship program will give more students vital classroom experiences before graduating.
“My clinical experience at Sabal Palm Elementary and my internship, where I taught daily lessons and refined my classroom management skills, have been invaluable. Additionally, my involvement with the Student Florida Education Association has given me insight into advocacy and professional growth,” she said.
The state’s DOE has invested $5 million in the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grow Your Own Teacher Grant to ensure future educators have a successful teaching career.