apache-junction-independent logo
Log in

Gilbert Public Schools applies to state for approval of teacher certification program

Gilbert Public Schools has completed an application to the state to run its own teacher certification program starting next school year, officials told the governing board March 1.

Called the GPS Certification Pathway Program: Connecting Talent to Teaching, the program will offer prospective teachers an alternative way to earn their teaching certification, officials said.
You must be a member to read this story.

Join our family of readers starting at $5 for your first month and support local, unbiased journalism.

Already have an account? Log in to continue.

Otherwise, follow the link below to join.

Please log in to continue

Log in
I am anchor

Gilbert Public Schools applies to state for approval of teacher certification program

Posted
Tom Blodgett
Gilbert Public Schools has completed an application to the state to run its own teacher certification program starting next school year, officials told the governing board March 1.

Called the GPS Certification Pathway Program: Connecting Talent to Teaching, the program will offer prospective teachers an alternative way to earn their teaching certification, officials said.

Talent Management Assistant Superintendent Shawn McIntosh said the district is pursuing offering its own teacher-in-residence program within the district for people with a bachelor’s degree, a fingerprint clearance card and either emergency or alternative certification.

Barbara Newman, GPS’ teaching and learning assistant superintendent, said the program could help bring current flex substitute teachers and paraprofessionals in the district into full-time employment with the district as certified teachers.

Superintendent Shane McCord said it was one way for the district to address the ongoing teacher shortage that has affected GPS like other districts around the nation.

The district has completed the application, which will be sent to the Arizona Department of Education and is subject to approval by the State Board of Education.

Newman said she hoped such approval would come in April, and the district could then recruit program participants and staff to act as mentors. The program would begin July 11.

Under the program, up to 30 participants could seek certification in one of three areas: elementary education (K-8), mild to moderate disabilities special education (K-12) and early childhood special education (birth to grade 3), McIntosh said.

The program would last two years with GPS professionals overseeing it. Greenfield Elementary School Principal Mary Longnion, who is leaving that position, put together much of the application and would direct the program.

With successful completion of the program, a participant would earn a 12-year certification to teach in the state of Arizona, though not in other states.


Newman said the pathways program would allow the district to develop teachers who match GPS teacher expectations and the needs of GPS students. It also would be a way to recruit, invest in and retain alternative pathway teachers, she said.

Under the pathway program, participants would teach while in the program and would work on an extended calendar from typical teacher contracts as a means for the participants' evening and weekend coursework, instead of devoting that time to planning, Newman said.

Best of all, Newman said, there would be no tuition for the program. Instead, the participants will earn a starting teacher’s salary with health and other teacher benefits.

Participants also will get a program coach and a site mentor.

Additionally, the district will plan for and submit an application to add secondary school teaching certification for grades 7-12 with plans to start in that area in the 2023-24 school year.

Board Member Charles Santa Cruz praised Longnion for taking on the task and the district for its forward-thinking approach to tackling teacher shortages. However, he cautioned the district to look after new teachers who come to the district through other means as well as veteran teachers.

Newman said the district planned to continue with onboarding teachers as it always has as well as professional development programs for all teachers.

Other items

The board unanimously approved, with members Bill Parker and Sheila Uggetti absent, the district’s Fiscal Year 2020-21 Uniform System of Financial Records compliance questionnaire. The district had 10 “no” answers of 175 questions on the questionnaire, which Finance Director Jackie Mattinen addressed and told the board how the district is working to come into compliance. Santa Cruz noted the number of “no” answers was relatively low, and district officials noted that number has been declining over the past three years.

The board appointed three new principals for next school year: Kari Ramirez at Mesquite Junior High School, Julie Oster at Greenfield Elementary School and Scott Thomas at Spectrum Elementary School.

Share with others

Have an opinion on this story? Click here to send a letter to our editors.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here