Article By: Clark Leonard
The teacher residency program in the College of Education at the University of North Georgia (UNG) is going strong in its second year with 45 students getting an early start on their teaching careers in seven northeast Georgia school systems during the 2023-24 academic year. For the first time, the Barrow, Jackson and Stephens county school systems are benefiting from the residency program, and Commerce City Schools is set to join for 2024-25.
Forsyth County, Gainesville City, Gwinnett County, and Hall County are returning districts from the initial school year for the residency program.
Seniors in the teacher residency program are full-time teachers of record with their own classrooms, receiving at least half the salary of a full-time educator. They are not eligible for full salary because they do not have a baccalaureate degree. They do receive benefits, including admission to teacher retirement. Students apply for the program in the fall semester of their junior year and are selected in the spring of their junior year.
"These are full-time students who are also full-time teachers. They are doing a great job of balancing everything," Dr. Sheri Hardee, College of Education dean, said. "The schools are very excited about it. We've heard wonderful things from the schools in which our students are working and learning."
UNG earlier this year received $399,000 in federal funds for the portion of the teacher residency program that partners with Forsyth County Schools, which has seven teacher residents for 2023-24. One of the funding's leading supporters was former U.S. Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux, who represented Georgia's 7th Congressional district.
Chelsea Southerland, a senior from Athens, Georgia, pursuing a degree in middle grades education with concentrations in science and language arts, is a resident teacher at Stephens County Middle School in eighth-grade physical science. When she was working as a veterinarian technician, something was missing for Southerland. She has found her passion in the classroom.
"These kids need educators who support them," Southerland said. "I want to be here for them and let them know they have someone if they need them."
John Orr, a senior from Murrayville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in middle grades education with concentrations in social studies and science, is a resident teacher at Liberty Middle School in Forsyth County.
At UNG, he is co-president of the National Science Teaching Association chapter and president of Kappa Delta Phi, his fraternity.
He enjoys watching his students grow and is grateful to get an early start on his career as an educator.
"There's so much more learning when you're having that first-hand experience. You either sink or swim," Orr said. "Forsyth County is taking a big step letting us do this. Kudos to them for allowing us to come in a year early."
Madison Noble, a senior from Buford, Georgia, pursuing a degree in elementary and special education, is a resident teacher in second grade at Kennedy Elementary School in Barrow County. She appreciates getting to help students find purpose in life.
"It is exciting to be part of something brand new, and I can help future College of Education students know more about this program," Noble said. "UNG has given me tools I can incorporate in my classroom to help keep students engaged."
Kimsey Snyder, a senior from Athens, Georgia, pursuing a degree in middle grades education with concentrations in math and science, is a resident teacher at Bear Creek Middle School in Barrow County. Her mother was a teacher when she was growing up, and she leapt at the chance to be part of the residency program.
"I'm getting paid and getting my foot in the door at a school district. It's a blessing for me because I didn't have financial help. It's something I jumped on extremely quickly," Snyder said. "The teaching shortage isn't going anywhere. It's a great idea on the university's part. The counties around UNG are so accepting of the program."
Dr. Carly Womack-Wynne and Dr. Paula Tench serve as the coordinators for resident teacher placements and professional development. Hardee is glad to see how well UNG has equipped these new educators.
"Our students do a very good job of building community in their classrooms, building relationships with their students," Hardee said. "They set up supportive classroom spaces."
