A program that recruits lawyers, accountants, and other professionals into teaching is heading into its second year in Metro Nashville schools, and interest in it has grown.
The goal of the ‘New Teacher Project’ is to turn smart, energetic professionals and recent college graduates into high quality teachers for Metro’s neediest schools.
This year a little over 1,700 people applied. That’s about 100 more than last year.
While interest has grown in the program, the number of candidates selected may be fewer than the 100 chosen last year. Casey Haugner with the New Teacher Project says it will depend on how many teaching positions pop up in this tight budget year.
“Obviously the landscape is not perfectly clear yet for next fall but this is something we’re closely monitoring.”
The New Teacher Project does not guarantee its participants, known as teaching fellows, jobs with Metro. They have to apply like every other first year teacher. Once on the job, fellows earn certification and a masters degree through Belmont University.
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