Board approves associate-teacher pathway and other teacher-recruitment steps including ITeach and TQP grant participation

The Suffolk City School Board approved a new "associate teacher" position Jan. 16 that gives eligible long-term substitutes and teacher assistants a full-time pathway, benefits and supports while they complete licensure requirements.

Human Resources Director Dr. Jessica Avery told the board the associate-teacher job is designed to retain and recruit classroom instructors from within the division. Eligible candidates must hold a bachelor's degree, be accepted into a licensure program, commit to working for Suffolk Public Schools for a minimum of two years after licensure and meet periodic progress milestones. The position includes health and dental benefits, VRS participation and a salary schedule that places associates below full teacher pay but significantly higher than current TA or long-term substitute pay.

Avery also reviewed other local and regional recruitment efforts: an ITeach cohort in which the division pays $3,050 per employee through Title II for candidates to pursue initial licensure (the first cohort began in April and the division has hired several ITeach participants already); a $9 million federal Teacher Quality Partnership grant (in partnership with surrounding divisions and universities) that funds master's-level teacher preparation slots and administrative endorsements; and continued tuition reimbursement (up to $3,000 per fiscal year) for employees pursuing licensure, Praxis exams or graduate credentials.

Board members asked about lesson plans and day-to-day supports for associate teachers; staff said existing collaborative planning, pacing guides and expanded mentor/coach roles would supply curriculum resources and support during the transition. The motion to approve the associate-teacher classification and job posting passed on a recorded vote.