Pinellas County Schools in Florida welcomed 276 newly hired educators, including 101 first-year teachers, as staff returned to classrooms to prepare for the upcoming academic year. The district currently has 30 remaining instructional vacancies out of nearly 5,800 total positions.
New Teachers Bring Fresh Perspective
Courtney Bennett, a first-year educator, is one of the new teachers who will be teaching sixth and seventh grade math at Tyrone Middle School. Bennett, who completed an internship with a host teacher in college, is excited to support her students during a pivotal period of growth. She believes that middle school is a critical time for young students, who need support from people who genuinely care about them.
Bennett’s family has a strong background in education, with her mother, father, and brother all working in the field. Her brother currently teaches in neighboring Manatee County. Bennett is looking forward to making a positive impact on her students’ lives and is excited about her new role.
Students in Pinellas County will return to class on Tuesday, August 11. The new school year is expected to bring new opportunities and challenges for both teachers and students.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.