School district has taken proactive measures to recruit
The statewide budget crunch has led to a heightened number of concerns arising throughout Louisiana school districts, one of which has been a shrinking pool of certified teachers. But while St. Charles Parish hasn’t been immune to those effects, it’s “A” rated public school district appears to be among the most attractive landing spots for teachers leaving other regions.
According to a recent story written by Houmatoday.com’s Dan Copp, Lafourche Parish is dealing with economic woes that led to 11 teachers departing to St. Charles Parish, with three candidates aiming to be elected as Lafourche Parish’s schools superintendent discussing what can be done to turn things around.
From the St. Charles Parish perspective, it could be interpreted as a sign the school district is taking proactive measures to limit the effects of the shortage locally, including an increased focus on recruiting.
Arthur Aucoin, the St. Charles Parish School Board’s District 7 representative, said the parish has seen an increase in the number of teachers hired who have previous experience. He believes the school district’s retirement package is one reason teachers have looked to St. Charles to potentially finish their careers.
“A teacher’s retirement is based on their top three years of earnings. Therefore, if their salary increases the final years, so does their retirement payout,” Aucoin said, adding St. Charles offers a comprehensive benefits package. “Our insurance package is much more affordable than any school district in the entire metro area.”
That package, he said, can see teachers who participate and fulfill requirements in the district’s wellness program pay as little as $15 per month for health insurance.
Other incentives include the district’s organization of orientation, on-boarding, mentoring and professional development, as well as top-of-the-line, updated facilities.
“Surrounding districts have reduced these things to cut costs,” Aucoin said, adding, “Our facilities are second to none.”
The efforts aren’t limited to hiring from outside the area. Board President Al Suffrin, District 8 representative, said the district is actively partnering with universities and has received grants for several years to implement innovative practices to recruit and prepare teacher candidates.
“We were one of the first districts in Louisiana to work with Southeastern Louisiana University to design an apprenticeship program. This experience offers teacher candidates a year-long residency working alongside master and mentor teachers,” Suffrin said, adding the purpose is to give those new teachers a strong chance of finding immediate success once reaching the classroom for their first year of employment.
Ellis Alexander, District 1 representative, said that to hire from elsewhere, positions must be first vacated, and cautioned that teachers coming from outside the area doesn’t mean the parish is immune from concern, citing his belief that a permanent pay raise for St. Charles teachers is overdue. [pullquote]“Surrounding districts have reduced these things (orientation, professional development) to cut costs … our facilities are second to none.” – Arthur Aucoin, District 7 representative[/pullquote]
That said, he believes St. Charles is an attractive destination for incoming teachers in part because of the commitment the school district has made to development for its educators.
“We do invest a lot of time and money into professional development … it benefits not only the teachers but our students as well,” Alexander said. “It also pays off in the high ratings our district receives from the state.”
Tresa Webre, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, said recruiting efforts include, among many things: encouraging middle and high school students who are fits for the teacher cadet program, STAR, at the Satellite Center to participate; increasing funding to attract interns from local universities and providing an internship in St. Charles Parish schools; developing a pool of future teachers from current staff and providing funding for them to complete a Master’s program in education; and developing strong partnerships with potential applicants so they develop an understanding of the culture of the school district and community.
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