Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant Fuels Teacher Apprenticeship at TSC

November 22, 2024

Tallahassee State College has been awarded the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant Grow Your Own Teacher Grant (PCOG GYO). The $491,826 grant will allow TSC to establish a teacher apprenticeship program to strengthen the teacher pipeline by creating pathways for aspiring educators.

The grant was established to support the development and growth of teacher apprenticeship programs across the state, which aligns with the College's commitment to providing students with practical and hands-on learning experiences. Through this grant, TSC will create its first-ever teacher apprenticeship program, offering aspiring educators the opportunity to gain real-world experience in local classrooms.

"We are thrilled to receive the Pathway to Career Opportunities Grant from the Florida Department of Education," said Dr. Jim Murdaugh, President of TSC. "This grant reinforces our commitment to offering students practical, career-focused education. With our teacher apprenticeship program, we're providing more opportunities for future educators to gain hands-on experience and develop the skills needed to succeed in the classroom. This investment helps us meet the demand for a strong, qualified teaching workforce for our community and state."

"With this grant, we're not only opening doors to valuable teaching skills, but also strengthening our partnerships with local schools and educational organizations," said Dr. Calandra Stringer, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. "This collaboration is key to building a highly skilled, dedicated teaching workforce and ensuring long-term success for both our students and the future of education in our region."

TSC's Teacher Apprenticeship Program is a groundbreaking initiative developed in partnership with the College's service area's public school districts to address the growing need for exceptional student educators. This competency-based program allows students to earn their bachelor's degree in Exceptional Student Education while gaining hands-on experience working directly in schools. By blending practical application with academic rigor, we prepare future teachers to meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring they graduate ready to make an immediate impact in the classroom.

"The Pathways to Career Opportunities Grow Your Own Teacher Grant apprenticeship program provides an excellent opportunity to develop a homegrown pipeline into education," said Elijah Key, Jr., Superintendent of Gadsden County Schools. "Gadsden County School District applauds the meaningful work TSC is embarking upon with this new grant opportunity and looks forward to Gadsden County program completers returning to become educators within our community."

"We are excited to continue to work with TSC to train and recruit new teachers with their teacher apprenticeship program," said Rocky Hanna, Superintendent of Leon County Schools. "I truly believe that teaching is the greatest profession in the world, and this partnership will allow us to bring more future teachers directly into the classroom where they can experience firsthand the magic of creating lightbulb moments for our students."

"This program offers a vital solution to the teacher shortage we are experiencing in Wakulla County by creating a pathway for local aspiring educators. It will help us provide quality education from teachers who are deeply connected to our community while also building a sustainable talent pipeline for the future," said Richard Myhre, Superintendent of Wakulla County Schools. "With a strong history of successful partnerships with Tallahassee State College, we look forward to the positive impact this apprenticeship program will have on our schools and community."

TSC has a long-standing reputation for preparing students to meet the demands of today's job market. By adding new apprenticeship programs, TSC will further strengthen its ability to meet the evolving needs of the job market and provide students with valuable industry connections, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to succeed in their chosen fields.