The Wayne County Board of Education heard results of a Division of Public Instruction compliance visit and an overview of the district’s beginning teacher support program at its Jan. 5 meeting.

Mister Weeks, presenting the review of an Oct. 16, 2025 DPI visit, said the district received ratings of "accomplished and distinguished" on the DPI rubric used to evaluate beginning teacher support. He told the board the district had 163 beginning teachers, 122 of whom are alternatively licensed, and 185 international teachers receiving dedicated professional development and school visits.

"Wayne County received accomplished and distinguished throughout the instrument," Mister Weeks said, and added that principals are required to submit observation schedules and ensure at least two evaluations are completed for beginning teachers before the start of the second semester.

The board also recognized the beginning teacher coordinators — Miss Stamper, Miss Martin and Miss Lewis — whom Weeks credited with providing frequent professional development and classroom support for beginning and international teachers.

Board members praised the report and staff work, noting the statewide trend of increasing beginning-teacher counts amid a teacher shortage and commending the district’s approach to monitoring and support.

What happens next: The board will continue to monitor evaluation schedules and receive regular updates on beginning teacher observations and support activities.