This post was created on 04/26/2022.

Pasco County Schools will hold a “signing day” event on Wednesday for high school students who are declaring their intent to return to teach in Pasco schools after college. The 17 students are graduating from Pasco’s New Teacher Academy (NTA) where they have had the opportunity to explore their chosen profession.

Along with the graduating seniors, the signing day will also feature an NTA graduate who has completed college and has been hired as a teacher at Fox Hollow Elementary School.

“This is a day of celebration for these students and for Pasco County Schools,’’ said Beth Hess, Lead of the New Teacher Academy. “To have our own students returning as teachers is a win for everyone. We are succeeding in our goal, which is to inspire the desire to teach.”

The New Teacher Academy was established at River Ridge High School in 2016 for students who are considering a career in teaching to learn more about the profession. It has expanded to include River Ridge Middle School. The NTA provides students hands-on experience at elementary schools in Pasco County.

The signing day event will take place on Wednesday, April 27, at 9 a.m. at River Ridge High School.