During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the implementation of a residency-based teacher apprenticeship program aimed at addressing the critical shortage of special education teachers. The program, which involves a partnership with BloomBoard and Lake Erie College, is projected to cost approximately $750,000 over three years for 25 positions.

Board member Mr. Denson raised concerns about the program's structure and financial implications, questioning how the partnership would function and the qualifications of the institutions involved. In response, Mr. Dan Swartz explained that BloomBoard has been instrumental in developing this innovative approach, which allows aspiring teachers to earn their degrees while working in classrooms, thus integrating practical experience with academic learning.

The program is designed to support current paraprofessionals in obtaining teaching certifications, thereby creating a pathway for them to transition into full-time teaching roles. This initiative is particularly focused on special education, an area identified as having a significant need for qualified educators.

Concerns were also voiced regarding the lack of familiarity with BloomBoard and the absence of detailed metrics on the program's effectiveness. Board members expressed the need for more information about Lake Erie College's credentials and the success rates of similar programs in other districts, particularly in relation to the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE).

Despite the reservations, there was a consensus on the urgency of addressing the teacher shortage, especially in special education. The board plans to gather additional data on the program's potential impact and metrics for success before making a final decision. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further investigate the qualifications of the partnering institutions and the anticipated outcomes for both teachers and students involved in the apprenticeship program.