In sunny Miami, Florida, the state’s education landscape is facing a critical challenge: nearly 10,000 teaching positions in public schools were left unfilled at the start of the 2024â2025 academic year. The shortage is particularly pronounced in high-need areas like Exceptional Student Education, where the demand for qualified educators far exceeds the available supply. To address this pressing issue, BloomBoard, a renowned talent development provider for Kâ12 school districts, has joined forces with Barry University, based in Miami, to introduce an innovative on-the-job bachelor’s degree program tailored for aspiring teachers.
The collaborative effort between Barry University and BloomBoard has given rise to the J.E.T. (Job Embedded Teaching) Pathway program, designed to empower paraprofessionals and school staff who are already actively engaged in classroom settings. This unique initiative allows participants to pursue a Bachelor of Science in education, with specialized tracks in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Exceptional Student Education, all while continuing their work within the school environment.
Dr. Pablo Ortiz, the provost of Barry University, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the program’s potential to offer a cost-effective avenue for bringing qualified educators into classrooms where their expertise is most needed. By tapping into the vast pool of talent already present in school settings, the program aims to alleviate the teacher shortage not only in Florida but also in other regions across the country that choose to embrace this innovative approach.
Individuals with associate degrees who are presently employed within educational institutions can enroll in the program as part of a district-sponsored cohort. Upon successful completion of the program requirements and certification assessments, graduates will be eligible for a full teaching certificate in the state of Florida. This pathway opens doors for dedicated individuals to transition into fully credentialed teaching roles, ensuring that students receive the quality instruction they deserve.
Sanford Kenyon, the CEO of BloomBoard, emphasized the program’s role in establishing a sustainable pipeline of passionate educators. At a time when some schools are grappling with staffing gaps filled by uncertified teachers, this initiative promises to deliver credentialed and committed educators to Florida’s classrooms, enriching the learning experiences of students across the state.
Success Stories in Educational Innovation
School districts in Florida, including the Hernando County School District, have already witnessed the positive impact of collaborating with BloomBoard to implement job-embedded teacher advancement programs. Ray Pinder, the Superintendent of the Hernando County School District, shared his perspective on the initiative, noting how the Associate Teacher Substitute Program has proven instrumental in filling instructional vacancies. By removing barriers related to time and cost, the program has enabled community members to pursue their dream of becoming certified teachers, bolstering the teaching workforce within the district.
Joining the Movement
For school districts interested in participating in the J.E.T. Pathway program, further information can be obtained by reaching out to Michelle Licata of BloomBoard at michelle.licata@bloomboard.com or by visiting the program’s dedicated webpage at https://bloomboard.com/program/florida-teacher-apprenticeship. By taking proactive steps to engage with this innovative opportunity, districts can play a pivotal role in addressing the ongoing teacher shortage and ensuring a bright future for both educators and students alike.
About Barry University:
As South Florida’s largest private Catholic institution of higher learning, Barry University stands at the forefront of promoting social mobility and empowering students for success in the contemporary workforce. With a diverse array of over 100-degree programs spanning various disciplines, the university equips students with the skills, knowledge, and real-world experiences needed to effect meaningful change. Barry’s commitment to experiential and service learning, coupled with a focus on addressing societal needs, produces graduates who are not just industry leaders but also socially conscious community members.
About BloomBoard:
BloomBoard serves as a catalyst for talent development in Kâ12 school districts, facilitating the growth, advancement, and retention of educators by embedding professional education within the employment framework. Through turnkey programs that support educators at every stage of their professional journey, BloomBoard connects districts with higher education institutions offering certification and degree programs. By leveraging an innovative on-the-job instructional model, the platform enables districts to identify needs, develop tailored plans, and celebrate educator achievements, ultimately fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.
As the education landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like the J.E.T. Pathway program spearheaded by Barry University and BloomBoard offer a beacon of hope in addressing critical challenges and nurturing a vibrant community of educators dedicated to shaping the future of learning. By embracing innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence, stakeholders in the education sector can pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
