Hernando County to Host Kickoff Events for National Math & Science Teacher Recruitment Initiative

BROOKSVILLE, FL (May 1, 2006) — With America facing a need for 240,000 new math and science teachers over the next decade, Hernando County has been selected as the site of kickoff events for a national initiative to recruit professionals to change careers and teach math and science.

The Become a Math or Science Teacher informational events will be held on May 24 and 25 in Hernando, and are open to all professionals who want to learn more about how to change careers and pursue teacher certification in math and science. The events are being planned by Hernando County Public Schools in coordination with the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE), which is launching its national PROJECT 5000: Recruiting New Math & Science Teachers for U.S. Schools in May.

The school district has been experiencing a large influx of student enrollments and is predicting that by the 2009-2010 school year, there will be 24,000 students in the Hernando County school system.

“We appreciate ABCTE’s efforts to provide this exciting opportunity for our school system to recruit quality teachers,” said Dr. Wendy Tallone.

At the “Become a Math or Science Teacher” events, career changers can participate in informational presentations and meet with Hernando County schools officials and ABCTE certification counselors to learn more about teacher certification options. The events are free, and individuals can register to attend at www.abcte.org/events. The information sessions will take place at the following locations:

LOCATIONS

May 24
5, 6 & 7 p.m.
School Board of Hernando County
919 North Broad St.
Brooksville, FL 34601

May 25
5, 6 & 7 p.m.
School Board of Hernando County
919 North Broad St.
Brooksville, FL 34601

ABCTE offers Passport to Teaching certification, which is recognized as a route to state teacher certification in Florida.  Designed specifically for career changers, Passport to Teaching allows individuals with bachelor’s degrees the opportunity to earn their certification by demonstrating mastery on rigorous examinations of subject area knowledge and professional teaching knowledge. Individuals can prepare for certification on their own time and at their own pace; additional college courses are not required. Program fees range from $500 to $750, depending on certification area. Currently, ABCTE offers certification in elementary education, math, general science, biology, physics, chemistry, English and special education (ESE).

Hernando County joins seven other regions across the country that were selected as kickoff event sites for PROJECT 5000. The initiative helps answer President Bush’s call for more math and science professionals to pursue teaching, so that America can compete and succeed in a global marketplace.

For more information, visit www.abcte.org or call 1-877-669-2228.

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