Everyone remembers their favorite childhood teacher.
Outside of family, teachers have the greatest influence on a child’s academic performance, moral character and future success. They can make all the difference in the world.
Knowing teachers play a vital role in student success and teaching creates all other professions, since 2014 the Barancik Foundation has invested more than $7 million in funding for Sarasota County Schools professional development.
But, wait! There is a teacher shortage. Locally, as well as nationally, fewer young people are choosing teaching as a profession, teachers are changing fields and baby boomers are retiring. So we invested $500,000 in our Teacher Retention|Recruitment Initiative to create strategic approaches to bring these life-changing teachers into our classrooms.
Currently Barancik Foundation has launched three programs around teacher retention and recruitment:
Emerging Educators
Emerging Educators identifies volunteers, parents and District employees, already with their college degree, who demonstrate characteristics of a future teacher. The program helps with certification costs, provides career guidance, and helps future teachers navigate the application process. A cohort of Emerging Educators ensures that no new educator enters the classroom without a network of peer support. To learn more, click here.
Educators Rising
Given that most Sarasota County teachers grew up here, Educators Rising is creating a pipeline for future teachers by engaging with local high school students who have an interest in education. Teaching clubs have been established at schools to help build a community of support for these students and provide opportunities to engage in teaching.
Elevating the Profession
The Barancik Foundation partnered with the Center for Public Interest Communications at the University of Florida to elevate the profession of teaching through strategic communications and journalism. If respect for the teaching profession is high, our community will be more effective at keeping our best and brightest.
Partners
Center for Public Interest Communications, University of Florida
Gulf Coast Community Foundation
State College of Florida
Sarasota County Schools
Sarasota County School Teachers
Sarasota Classified Teachers’ Association
