WATERBURY CONN. & PITTSBURGH (PRWEB) — Waterbury Public Schools and BloomBoard today announce a partnership to create Waterbury University. This innovative initiative responds to the current teacher retention crisis while addressing the unique needs of all students. Waterbury U provides educators with on-the-job professional learning opportunities to prepare, promote and advance them in their professional careers. The program allows educators to earn graduate credits, which can lead to a full master’s degree and a pay raise. In addition, Waterbury Public Schools will cover all costs associated with the attendance of up to 800 staff.
“This partnership gives our hardworking educators a voice and choice in their learning,” said Dr. Verna Ruffin, Superintendent of Waterbury Public Schools. “I see BloomBoard as a partner that helps us grow our own talents, including the number of paraprofessionals who aspire to become teachers or become better paraprofessionals. An effective and happy teacher is paramount to ensuring student success. Therefore, supporting teachers with Waterbury U is key to meeting the unique needs of all students.
A recent CT Insider Article reported between 1,200 and 1,600 open teaching positions throughout Connecticut. Therefore, this program aims to provide a special incentive that encourages current education personnel to remain in the district while encouraging new teachers and staff to join the school community.
Current deals through Waterbury U include:
● Fundamentals of leadership
● Fundamentals of teaching
● Fundamentals of equity participation
● Foundations of student well-being
● Class management
“BloomBoard’s innovative solutions support our belief that professional development should be driven by our teachers based on their individual needs or interests,” said Waterbury Public Schools Elementary Mathematics Supervisor Janet Frenis. “I see this partnership as an essential tool to best meet the needs of our current employees and attract new talent. We are optimistic that this will be a solution to solving a teacher retention crisis that is not just unique to us, but nationwide.
Waterbury is able to offer this program at no cost to staff by leveraging ESSER/ARP ESSER funds. Schools Applying for Federal Funding must spend at least 20% of funds to address learning loss through evidence-based interventions that address students’ academic, social, and emotional needs. Additionally, districts that employ teachers with post-secondary degrees are eligible for increased state funding. BloomBoard helps districts navigate the funding application process.
To find out more about Waterbury U, visit this page.
To learn more about BloomBoard, visit http://www.bloomboard.com.
About BloomBoard
BloomBoard is a talent development provider that empowers K-12 school districts to develop, advance, and retain educators by making skills training an advantage of employment. We offer turnkey programs for school districts to advance educators at all stages of their professional journey. Our platform connects districts to higher education institutions that offer apprenticeship, certification, and degree programs using a unique on-the-job education model. We help assess needs, develop and implement plans, and celebrate educator success.
About Waterbury Public Schools
Waterbury Public Schools provides a comprehensive educational program to over 18,000 students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. This program includes Core Academics, Fine and Applied Arts, Health and Fitness, and Career Path offerings as well as Special Education, Magnet Schools, Early College High School, Academic Academy, School international center focusing on dual language, an alternative school and several enrichment programs. The mission of Waterbury Public Schools is to inspire and prepare every student to succeed in school and beyond. Learn more about http://www.waterbury.k12.ct.us.
eSchool Media staff cover all aspects of education technology, from legislation and litigation to best practices, lessons learned and new products. First published in March 1998 as a monthly print and digital journal, eSchool Media provides the news and information needed to help K-20 decision-makers successfully use technology and innovation to transform schools and colleges and achieve their educational goals.