North Gwinnett News

Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) is focusing on preparing students for their futures through the Teaching as a Profession pathway. This program, part of the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE), introduces students to teaching and its opportunities. It also helps them develop core competencies outlined in the Portrait of a Graduate by graduation.

Dr. Kyle Jones, Director of Academies and CTAE, emphasized the importance of these programs: “Across CTAE, our team feels a deep responsibility to students for our programs to be spaces that inspire exploration, interest, curiosity, and hope for their future. This is just as true for our Teaching as a Profession pathway; however, the difference here is how directly these students’ career exploration impacts our great school system."

Students in this program engage in three courses where they explore current issues in education and gain knowledge about teaching. The final stage includes a practicum internship with a certified teacher within the district. Students can declare their intent to pursue careers in education at the "Future Teacher Signing Day," an event organized by GCPS's Human Resources department. At this event, participants receive scholarships and sign letters of intent that guarantee them an interview with GCPS upon graduation.

The Teaching as a Profession program is available at ten high schools and offers one Carnegie Unit credit at three middle schools for 8th graders. These educational opportunities aim to cultivate talent from diverse backgrounds within the community.