Paulding schools target critical classroom needs in agreement with Kennesaw State
KENNESAW, Ga.
(Aug 23, 2023) — Kennesaw State University is working with the Paulding County School District to boost
teaching within the in the critical areas of math, science, special education and
elementary education.
The Paulding County Board of Education on Tuesday heard a presentation on an agreement
with KSU’s Bagwell College of Education that will provide school district funding
for 80 Paulding County schools’ staff to pursue degrees in those high-need areas.
Classroom teachers and paraprofessionals are eligible for the program.
“The Bagwell College of Education prioritizes partnerships that bolster the teacher
workforce and leverage innovative curricula and research expertise,” said Adrian Epps,
dean of the Bagwell College. “The Paulding Degree Advancement Program is uniquely
tailored to the district's strategic priorities that focus on critical areas for the
district, and it’s one of many partnerships we have with Paulding County Schools,
an invaluable partner.”
Epps said in addition to the DAP partnership Bagwell partners with Paulding County
in placing teacher candidates in field experiences across the district, and jointly
through the Horizon's Atlanta Program, TRIO Upward Bounds Programs, and other mutually
beneficial partnerships. Many current educators in the district are Kennesaw State
University alumni.
“The DAP program will deepen our existing partnership and generate more quality educators
for the district and new KSU alumni,” Epps said.
The Paulding system’s top administrator said the program will advance the system’s
goal of having excellent educators in its classrooms.
“A key component of the school district’s Strategic Plan is recruiting and retaining
quality educators,” said Superintendent Steve Barnette. “The Paulding Degree Advancement
Program will not only build staff capacity within our current teachers, but also foster
growth for our paraprofessional staff who are seeking to become teachers.”
The school district analyzed local and statewide staffing data to determine the areas
of focus for the program. Program options for current teachers seeking a master’s
degree will include special education, math, and science. Program options for paraprofessionals
will include elementary education, special education, math and science.
The school district has budgeted funds to assist teachers and paraprofessionals with
tuition costs, and
KSU will waive application fees for participants and facilitate the enrollment of
cohorts in the designated subject area courses.
Information meetings will be held on Aug. 30. Interested candidates will complete
applications for approval beginning Sept. 1. Approved candidates will then apply to
KSU by Nov. 1, for classes beginning in January 2024.
Bagwell College of Education is a leading preparer of teachers in Georgia and offers
42 degrees from bachelor’s to education doctorate, as well as 19 endorsements, certification
only, or certificate programs.
