WCPSS hires more than 850 new teachers for 2005-06

August 22, 2005 - More than 7,400 teachers will be prepared to teach an expected 118,000 students at 139 Wake County Public schools this year.

Teachers for 2005-06
Assistant Superintendent Toni Patterson says WCPSS has hired more than 856 new teachers for the 2005-06 school year. Patterson said that schools have 44 vacancies as of August 19.

Principals have been conservative in their hiring thus far because they want to be sure of student enrollment numbers. It appears that enrollment is coming now at projected levels in some areas so they are allotting themselves additional growth positions. These growth positions will add to vacancy numbers. WCPSS Human Resources will take another snapshot on August 23 to see where we are.


WCPSS HR administrators designed orientation to be personal and welcoming.

Of the 25 new teachers, 10 were from North Carolina, four from New York and two from California.

Pre-employment orientation for teachers
When new teachers arrive to begin employment with WCPSS, they take part in a pre-employment orientation. This takes place at the WCPSS Teacher Recruitment Center in Crossroads Building 2 At 100 Corning Road in Cary

Of the 25 teachers new to WCPSS attending orientation today, 10 were from North Carolina, four from New York and two from California. Three of the teachers had 10 years or more experience in the classroom. Eight had taught for five years. Seven were first time teachers.

Diane Kent-Parker, WCPSS senior director for recruitment and retention, said about 52 percent of this year's new teachers are from out-of-state. "We are looking for the very best teachers we can hire," said Kent-Parker.

WCPSS Human Resources administrators designed orientation to be personal and welcoming.

New employees go through stations where they are welcomed, get their school system identification, find out about policies, fill out paperwork and tax forms, and get an overview of the state retirement system and the benefits package. Employees also visit one-on-one with licensure and benefits specialists.

A number of sessions are offered each month. Teacher sessions are typically scheduled for Mondays and Fridays; however, daily sessions are available in the weeks leading up to the start of school. Support staff - such as custodians, cafeteria staff, bus drivers, teacher assistants and clerical staff - attend Wednesday sessions.

The goal of the orientation session is to let new teachers know that WCPSS appreciates their decision to work in Wake County.

High quality teachers bring success
Teachers are recognized as leaders in Wake County. Superintendent Bill McNeal has established a Teachers Advisory Council he meets with regularly to address teacher concerns. WCPSS, NC State University and Wake Education Partnership have worked to establish a Teacher Leadership Academy for teachers to earn a master's in school administration. WCPSS supports teachers who seek National Board certification, a difficult process of self-examination, hard work, and testing that a teacher chooses to do in addition to his or her classroom instruction. WCPSS has 820 teachers who have earned certification.

WCPSS aggressively recruits high quality educators by holding two job fairs annually, visiting job fairs held by education schools and through the efforts of teacher recruiters and school principals.

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