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Elizabeth Schools to hold job fair July 25

District is scrambling to hire as school year looms

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This story has been updated to clarify the details of the PEBC/state stipend.
 
The Elizabeth School District is encouraging residents of the district and nearby areas to step up and enter the classroom for the 2023-2024 school year. The district is currently struggling to hire teachers and staff, leaving many gaps to be filled in and outside of the classroom.
 
As of July 11, there are still eight classroom teacher positions available. Six of these positions are in special education.
 
To help alleviate this gap, the Elizabeth School District is holding a job fair on July 25 from 4-6 p.m. at Elizabeth High School. The job fair will provide residents a chance to look at any job open in the district, even those outside of the classroom.
 
Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with district administration and ask questions.
 
“As an educator of 37 years, being a teacher is one of the most impactful careers one can choose. It’s not an easy job, but few can say they have a hand in shaping the future of our community, our state and our nation,” said Superintendent Dan Snowberger in an interview from July 11. “Teachers do just that by helping to teach children the essentials to be successful at whatever path they choose in life.”
 
The Elizabeth School District is partnering with the Public Education & Business Coalition (PEBC) to help get teachers into the classroom for the 2023-2024 school year. PEBC is a Denver-based nonprofit organization that collaborates with teachers, schools and districts to help educate teachers and create an uplifting classroom environment for students. PEBC offers teacher preparation programs for those holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
 
PEBC offers two pathways to certification for those interested in entering the field of education.
 
1. Teacher residency pathway
 
The PEBC teacher residency program prepares future educators for an exceptional career as an early childhood, elementary, or secondary teacher through a hands-on licensure program.
 
This program is for those who have little to no experience in the classroom but are interested in entering the field of education.
 
As a PEBC teacher resident, future educators will be trained over the course of one year and be supported by expert instructors and coaches who are committed to success. Residents will not be the sole teacher in the classroom and can learn about the field over the course of the program.
 
Their residency experiences are offered in public, private and charter schools in rural, urban and suburban schools across Colorado. They welcome culturally diverse candidates including multilingual learners.
 
“The teacher residency program is unique,” said John Kearney, PEBC senior director of residency, growth and innovation, in an interview from July 11. “The best way to learn a new craft is to embed yourself in it. With the residency program, future educators can take on more responsibility as the year goes on.”
 
The only out-of-pocket cost for the program is a $500 deposit. Residents receive a stipend through PEBC or the state. State funding is based on financial need, with most residents earning between $10,000 and $39,500 in combined state and PEBC aid.
 
The Elizabeth School District is currently working to provide health benefits to candidates in partnership with their health care insurance broker. This will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
 
“Not everyone feels like they can enter the classroom tomorrow and start teaching,” said Snowberger. “Residency is something I’m trying to promote here in Elbert County.”
 
“People are worried that with the teacher shortage we will put anyone in the classroom,” commented Snowberger. “We want to make sure teachers have the training and skills to succeed in the classroom. PEBC is a great program to help with that.”
 
2. Teacher of record pathway
 
This pathway is for those people who already have significant experience working with students in an educational setting. They will serve as the sole teacher in the classroom with support from a mentor teacher in the building. Teachers of record and hired and paid by the school district rather than compensated through grants.
 
Along with teaching in the classroom, PEBC will help candidates maneuver through the teacher certification process. Like the teacher residency pathway, this program lasts one year.
 
The Elizabeth School District will hold an information session for interested PEBC candidates at their July 25 job fair. The session will begin at 5 p.m.
 
“We see fewer and fewer young people choosing to become teachers today. The PEBC residency program is a great opportunity for those who have pursued different degrees and now wish to serve their community to do so,” explained Snowberger. “As a resident, one works with a master teacher for the year alongside them in the classroom learning the craft of teaching. They earn their alternative licensure and can accept a full-time position with confidence and training.”
 
PEBC is still accepting applications for their teacher preparation programs. The Elizabeth School District hopes for applicants to apply ahead of the first day of school, but they may apply through mid-September.
 
“We are unique in that we are a nonprofit organization that focuses in three different areas: teacher preparation, professional learning, and policy that advocates for the needs of teachers and administrators at the state level,” said Kearny. “We are the only alternative teacher prep program that puts such an emphasis on teacher wellness. It is the most rewarding profession out there, but also one of the most difficult. Teachers need explicit wellness support. All of our residents have the support from their larger cohorts and are involved in professional learning communities.”
 
For more information about the Public Education & Business Coalition, visit pebc.org
 
To see all available positions with the Elizabeth School District, visit elizabethschooldistrict.org/Page/997
 
Elizabeth School District, careers, job fair, Elbert County, Colorado

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