The Okeechobee County School District is attempting to combat vacancies in the district...
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OKEECHOBEE — Ahead of the 2023-24 school year there were 6,920 advertised vacancies for teachers in the state of Florida according to the Florida Education Association. That number is up from last year when the state had 6,006 vacancies.
The Okeechobee County School District is attempting to combat vacancies in the district with an Emerging Educator program which is hiring apprentice teachers. Some of the first new apprentice teachers were introduced at the Dec. 12 Okeechobee County School Board meeting, including Cora Morrissey, Keisha Dobbins, Anthony Bates, Shalina Betts, Ashley Brennan, Marilyn Cordero.
“I know we’ve talked extensively with the board about the teacher shortage and that’s why we’re excited about this program,” said Steffanie Immerfall, the recruitment and retention specialist for the school district. “We’ve talked about how do we promote from within, how do we support those individuals who’ve worked in our district so long and took courses while they’ve supported their family.”
The first six apprentices already have spots awaiting them at elementary schools in Okeechobee. The Emerging Educator program will help cover the cost of a bachelor's degree for current district employees with an associate’s degree. In return, apprentices must commit to teach in Okeechobee for at least three years.
“This is a pilot for us,” said Superintendent Ken Kenworthy to the new apprentices at the Dec. 12 meeting. “We’re so glad to have you. I’m very excited to offer you these positions, which will be permanent positions once you finish.”
