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CMS short more than 200 teachers, new program to help hire

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — About two weeks ago, Kennedy Middle School was looking to hire an eight-grade math teacher. Kyra Spaulding said she got that position thanks to a new teacher training program called CMS Teaching Residency. It's a six-week course designed for people who have a college degree and want to transition into a teaching career.

"I've always loved math, like it’s always been something I like to do just for fun," said Spaulding.

Spaulding said she stepped away from her career in the insurance industry after her twin daughters got her excited about a new path.

"When I thought about changing careers, I asked them about it and it was their reaction that really got me. They were like, 'Yes, Mom, you would be a great teacher!'"

Spaulding got hired as a new math teacher at a time when Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is desperately looking to fill teacher positions. As of last week, there were still 246 teacher openings.

Shannon Stehemier, CMS Teaching Residency specialist, said the program aims to support new teachers after they graduate from the course.

She said, "We feel like this will be very helpful for them and then with us. They are going to have coaches with them every week or biweekly."

Stehemier believes the additional coaching throughout the year will help with teacher retention. She also said the program hopes to bring more diversity to CMS, which will happen this school year since the majority of nearly hired teachers are minorities.

"We are confident that every one of them will have a job in the fall," said Stehemier.

Stehemier said out of the 62 people who graduated from the program last Thursday, 46 have been hired to teach in elementary schools or math in middle and high schools. Those are two areas where CMS has the biggest needs. The rest of the graduates are either going through the hiring process, or waiting for test scores to be eligible for employment.

The CMS Teaching Residency is the first state-approved program of its kind. CMS said there is grant money to fund the program for three years. They will start accepting applications for the next class this fall.

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