Pendergast District Offers Unique Solution to Teacher Shortage Crisis

As the nation faces an unprecedented teacher shortage crisis, the Pendergast Elementary School District is taking a bold step to address this issue. In February 2023, the Pendergast District began offering training through Grand Canyon University to interested hourly staff and long term substitutes who wished to have additional training in classroom management, building relationships with students, and entry level instructional strategies. The offerings meet the requirements of an instructional tech position and are designed to help address the teacher shortage crisis.

The training is provided free of charge to Pendergast employees and covers a range of topics, including classroom management strategies and support for social emotional needs of students. With a limited number of employees able to take part, the District encouraged all interested parties to return their applications early to avoid missing out on this unique and valuable opportunity. The District has received over fifty applications for its pilot program, and participants have remained engaged throughout the process and are on track to complete their instructional tech training soon.

In addition, the Pendergast District is connecting the candidates participating in this program with State Universities and Community Colleges that offer the Arizona Teacher Academy scholarships.  The Arizona Teacher Academy covers tuition and mandatory fees after the student has accepted all other non-loan aid, such as institutional scholarships, federal Pell grants, and other private scholarships. In exchange for the scholarship, recipients must commit to one year of teaching in an Arizona public school for each year they receive funding. To support this initiative, instructional hourly staff are encouraged to enroll in the program and become the next group of qualified teachers for our community.

As a result of the innovative approach taken by the Pendergast Elementary School District, more employees will have the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge required to support students and contribute to a high-quality education system.

"We recognize that the current teacher shortage is a significant challenge, but we believe that by taking proactive steps to address this issue, we can help ensure that our students receive the education they deserve," said Dr. Jennifer Cruz, Pendergast District Superintendent. "We are proud to partner with Grand Canyon University to provide this unique training program to our hourly staff and long-term substitutes, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it has on our students and our community."

For more information on this training opportunity, please contact Patti Tussey, Chief Human Resources Officer at ptussey@pesd92.org.