News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The White County School System is starting the school year with every certified position filled.
The school system filled every open teaching position with a licensed teacher before the school year started August 4. White County School Public Information Officer Candace Allen said this was a big accomplishment for the county.
“To be able to start the school year and have everyone in the classroom and everyone ready, the plans ready, everyone good to go,” Allen said. “It helps us to start on a strong note.”
The new teachers will get extra support from the school system through a program called Teacher Individualized Plans of Support (TIPS). Allen said this will provide multiple resources for incoming teachers.
“TIPS meetings are held monthly and this is for our new teachers,” Allen said. “It provides extra training, extra support for them. They are paired along side veteran mentor teachers, so that really helps them feel prepared.”
Allen said the system hopes the program will help retain teachers so fewer positions will have to be filled in the future.
The White County School system worked alongside County Director of Finance Chad Marcum last year. The work focused on adjusting starting salary for certified teaching positions from $43,000 a year to $45,000.
