Introduction to Miami-Dade’s New Teachers
More than 300 new teachers are preparing for their first day on the job with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and they got a pep talk Monday from the superintendent.
The superintendent was like a general welcoming new recruits to his army. Dotres was once in their shoes.
The Importance of Teacher Induction Programs
“When I began as a teacher, we did not have these teacher induction programs, now we do, because we know that it’s very important because we know that before teachers begin their classes and open a new school year, we should be able to help them, orient them, and get them started,” Dotres said.
Before they become established teachers, new recruits learn the ropes by shadowing veterans through the training program and by going through an apprenticeship.
Career Switchers Join the Teaching Force
Most of the new teachers are career switchers; they’re leaving one field to step into the classroom. They’re doing it for a total starting salary of between $50,000 and $60,000.
“I was in accounting, actually, accounts receivable, completely different world, all about numbers, corporate America, and I’m now trying to follow my passion,” said Vanessa Dager at the induction event. “And I’m gonna be working with exceptional students, which is special education, so even more meaningful.”
“I like nursing, but I love teaching,” said Kayla Wilcott, who is leaving her full-time job at the hospital for a high school classroom, and taking a major pay cut in the process.
“Yes, huge pay cut, I want to say it’s like $20-thousand a year pay cut, yeah, to me it is worth it.”
Addressing the Teacher Shortage
There is a teacher shortage nationwide, and it’s being felt in South Florida as well.
“It is a challenge to sometimes locate and recruit teachers,” Dotres said. “And they don’t always have to come from the education field, we want scientists, we want mathematicians, we want folks with technology backgrounds, so we are recruiting from many different pathways, right?”
The school district is celebrating the fact that so many college grads are changing careers to become teachers, but that also illustrates a problem happening at universities across the country: fewer college students are majoring in education. The only way to reverse that trend is to make teaching a more lucrative profession.
Conclusion
The induction of 300 new teachers in Miami-Dade County Public Schools is a welcome development, especially given the nationwide teacher shortage. The fact that many of these new teachers are career switchers highlights the need to make teaching a more attractive profession, both in terms of salary and benefits. By providing a comprehensive induction program and supporting new teachers, the school district is taking steps in the right direction.
FAQs
Q: How many new teachers are joining Miami-Dade County Public Schools?
A: More than 300 new teachers are preparing for their first day on the job.
Q: What is the starting salary for new teachers in Miami-Dade County Public Schools?
A: The total starting salary is between $50,000 and $60,000.
Q: Why are many new teachers career switchers?
A: Many new teachers are leaving other fields to pursue a career in teaching, often taking a pay cut in the process, because they are passionate about teaching and want to make a difference.
Q: Is there a teacher shortage in South Florida?
A: Yes, there is a teacher shortage nationwide, and it’s being felt in South Florida as well.
Q: How is the school district addressing the teacher shortage?
A: The school district is recruiting teachers from many different pathways, including scientists, mathematicians, and folks with technology backgrounds, and is celebrating the fact that many college grads are changing careers to become teachers.
