This post was created on 04/25/2023.

Pasco County Schools will host “signing day” on Wednesday for high school students who are declaring their intent to return to teach in Pasco schools after college. The 33 students are graduating from Pasco’s New Teacher Academy (NTA) where they have had the opportunity to explore their chosen profession.

The New Teacher Academy is one of Pasco Schools’ many strategies for addressing the ongoing teacher shortage, in this case by preparing “homegrown” teachers who come directly from our schools and our community. The 33 student graduates are nearly twice as many as last year, when Pasco held its first signing day.

“This is a day of celebration for these students and for Pasco County Schools,’’ said Beth Hess, Lead of the New Teacher Academy. “With the doubling of the numbers this year, we are excited to see the program grow. We’re achieving our goal of inspiring our own students to return to teach in our classrooms.”

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. The NTA provides hands-on experience at elementary schools in Pasco County.

The signing-day event will feature an NTA graduate who has gone on to earn her college degree and is slated to begin teaching at a Pasco County elementary school next school year. She will be available for interviews.

What: New Teacher Academy and eSchool Signing Day

When: Wednesday, April 26, 9:00 – 10:00

Where: River Ridge High School, 11646 Town Center Road (Media Center)

Who: NTA Graduates, Students, Parents, Friends, School District Guests, and School Guests