WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — Teacher turnover and vacancy rates are rising in North Carolina, but one group is trying to attract and retain new teachers by showing them what it means to be a part of one Triad city.
Haleigh Horne and Zyaira James aren’t from Winston-Salem or even North Carolina, but they’re able to connect with their students at Diggs-Latham in a way like never before thanks to Winston-Salem Teach.
“We can’t teach kids if they’re not comfortable with us,” James said.
Kate Allman is the executive director of the group and got the idea off the ground a few years ago with the help of other education leaders.
“Before COVID, there was the idea of, ‘Can we find a way for all three institutions who prepare teachers to support a local need, particularly a local need of our school district?’” Allman said. “Our program is really about connecting them to the true story of a Title One school. Not coming from a deficit model but really recognizing all the strengths.
The students who apply have various backgrounds. Some are in the midst of their undergraduate degree. Others are long past their college degree and working in other fields.