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

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL (May 1, 2006) — With America facing a need for 240,000 new math and science teachers over the next decade, Pasco 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 event will be held on May 23 in Pasco, and is open to all professionals who want to learn more about how to change careers and pursue teacher certification in math and science. The event is being planned by Pasco 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.

Across the state of Florida, math and science are listed as areas of critical teacher shortages.  Pasco County needs hundreds of new teachers for 2006-2007 school year.

“If you want to have a hands-on role in changing the future and have a heart for impacting the lives of children, then we need you!? At the Pasco County School District, we are looking for the best and the brightest who are willing to help us ensure that all children receive a quality education,” stated Pasco School Superintendent, Heather Fiorentino.  Teaching is not just a job, bur rather a meaningful profession that will continually inspire, challenge and reward you for your hard work and dedication. I strongly encourage you to take the first step in learning how you can become part of our team by attending this informational session on alternative routes to teacher certification.”

At the “Become a Math or Science Teacher” events, career changers can participate in informational presentations and meet with Pasco County schools officials and ABCTE certification counselors to learn more about teacher certification options.The information session will take place at the following location:

LOCATION

May 23
6 & 7 p.m.
River Ridge High School
Center for the Arts
11646 Town Center Road
New Port Richey, FL 34654

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).

Pasco 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 abcte.org or call 1-877-669-2228.