Recruitment campaign for special education teachers begins
Published by Jeff April 16th, 2007 in Monticello School News.A diverse group of about 30 citizens met Wednesday in the Caucus Room in the University Center at UAM to discuss the issue of teacher shortage in southeast Arkansas, especially in the area of special education.
Representatives from churches, businesses, the Monticello School District, Drew Central Schools, parents, and civic leaders were welcomed by Mary Jo Barnett, the Director of the Educational Renewal Zone. The ERZ, according to a handout distributed at the meeting, exists to encourage all school districts and UAM to “work together to improve the education of the students in southeast Arkansas.”
Also present was Christina Villereal from the Arkansas Department of Education and Vincent Watkins of the Watkins Group from Atlanta, Georgia. Watkins has been hired by the National Center for Special Education Personnel and Related Service Providers for a national recruitment campaign. The meeting Wednesday was the initial organizational effort to help create an awareness and recruitment campaign for teachers in southeast Arkansas.
Because Arkansas has been selected to be part of the campaign, it will receive the following services and resources at no charge:
- direct, on-site technical assistance in developing a comprehensive plan for collecting and analyzing personnel data
- assistance in developing a strategic plan for short- and long-term workforce development
- local assistance to school districts in need of services related to community-based recruitment campaign development
- one-year membership to 20 selected school districts for national on-line recruiting services (The Monticello and Drew Central Districts are part of those selected across the state.)
- $10,000 worth of print and media materials for use in recruiting people to the field of special education
During his presentation, Watkins led the group to identify influencers in the community and shared that recruitment for special education teachers would also help increase overall recruitment for teachers.
Picture by Jim BrewerÂ
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I wish I had known about this meeting before it ocurred,I would have liked to attended.This is an issue very special to me and my family.I am very happy to see this has been made a priority.It is so important that special needs children get the same educational opportunities provided to them as everyone else and we need great teachers to accomplish this goal!!There are many wonderful special education teachers in Monticello and I would love to see the educational program for special needs children further progress.Thanks for reporting on this Jeff!
Not only is the intent of this campaign to help locate Special Education teachers but just teachers in general. Arkansas has a large shortage of teachers. I know of at least three secondary math teachers needed in the local area and we are not graduating these needed teachers in college. Our students are hurting in every subject and grade level for highly qualified teachers. This is just the beginning campaign to locate them. Look for more information and meetings soon.
I am glad to finally see some concern for special education teachers. The are just not very many. I think the state department also needs to look at revamping the early childhood program. I have a special education degree but since it was blended with the P-4 program, I can only teach special education in lower elementary. In small school districts, some schools have the same special education teacher for K-6. This is turn leaves those teachers out who had the P-4 blended degree.
I am glad however to see the concern.
Jeff,
Thanks for the coverage of the meeting. I would love to invite the person who responded that she would like to attend the meetings. I would very much like for her to be a part of our committee.
I would love to be a part of the committee.I need contact information.:)Thanks!