PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – Sometimes going back to school can be daunting…

That’s why Bay District Schools has established a program where any non-teaching employee can return to school to become a teacher.

Once an employee is in the program, they are placed in a group where they are mentored, can receive tutoring if needed, and help fill out all the applications and forms needed to get into college.

I spoke with a BDS employee, Larry Baldwin, who said he wanted to be an English teacher. “I’m here tonight to apply for school, I’m a paraprofessional looking to go back to school so I can be a teacher! English… It’s always been my favorite, I’m a big bookworm, a big nerd haha, so yeah!”

Sharon Michalik, BDS Director of Communications further explained, “We are partners with Gulf Coast State College, Chipola College, Florida State University and Grand Canyon University…and all of these partners have committed to providing extended financial aid to our employees . as part of this program. In addition, we have a grant from St. Joe Community Foundation and that grant along with the support of the Bay Education Foundation allows us to make this trip to college for the most part at no or very little cost.”

After employees graduate, they agree to work for two years for Bay District Schools. This also helps with the teacher shortage.

Copyright 2024 WJHG. All rights reserved.