The new school year in Jefferson Parish is starting off on a high note despite staffing challenges after the pandemic.
As of Monday, the school district said it is looking to hire at least 70 teachers. During the prior school year, the school system was short 140 teachers. District officials say a national apprenticeship program through Reach University is getting more teachers in the classroom.
Reach University is a nonprofit that allows on-the-job degrees while earning credit. Students enrolled are expected to pay $75 a month for their education. Officials with Reach University say the goal is to solve workforce shortages while offering debt-free education.
“Being able to put more teachers in the classroom is a huge mission for Reach, to make sure they don’t have debt when they do that. Too many people are going into debt to become a teacher; that is keeping people out of the profession, so we remove that barrier,” said Heath Grimes from Reach University.
Once hired, teachers are required to work for their school district for three years while the school system pays for their teacher certification.
Jefferson Parish Schools Superintendent James Gray says partnerships like Rice University, recent raises and in-house certification programs are attracting more applicants.
According to Reach University, 78 people in Jefferson Parish are enrolled in the program.
READ MORE:Jefferson Parish schools return with lowest teacher vacancy in recent years
