This post was created on 06/26/2019.

The River Ridge High School New Teacher Academy (NTA) recently was named the Greater Pasco Chamber of Commerce Youth Organization of the Year.

“I was so honored to have the NTA recognized as a nominee, and upon receiving the award, I realize that Pasco County recognizes the incredible work done beyond the classroom by this academy,” said NTA lead teacher Beth Hess.

Students in the NTA receive classroom instruction on the fundamentals of becoming an educator and real-world experience working with students at elementary schools. Students visit classrooms, teach lessons, and support teachers’ curriculum. They also have taught senior citizens about internet usage, social media access, identity theft protection, taking selfies, using mobile calendars, and using speech-to-text software.

In 2018, the New Teacher Academy was named the Florida Future Educators Association Outstanding Program of the Year.

On Wednesday, July 10, NTA students will be guests at the National Network of State Teachers of the Year (NNSTOY) conference, sponsored by the College Football Playoff Foundation. As part of their “Afternoon of Service,” from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. participating teachers of the year will mentor the New Teacher Academy students and be treated to the students’ puppet show message about inclusion. The session is called #InspireTheDesireToTeach, which also is the academy’s hashtag.