From Business to Blackboard: Rutherford County’s Path to Teaching

RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - A midlife career change may be a scary thought, but more and more people are taking the leap. Some make the change out of a need for greater fulfillment in the workforce, while others seek to make a difference in their community—but all are focused on helping to shape future leaders.

Laura Caban with Rutherford County Schools HR Department told WGNS about a program designed to help individuals working outside the classroom—whether in business offices, manufacturing facilities, or retail—earn a teaching certificate through a special initiative…

Rutherford County Schools launched the program in 2019 to recruit non-traditional educators, many of whom bring valuable real-world experience into local classrooms. Participants with a traditional degree can join the program and earn a teaching license. The most unique aspect? They begin their new role immediately, stepping into the classroom while completing their certification. The local school system became the first K-12 district in Tennessee to receive approval from the Tennessee Department of Education to operate such a program about six years ago.

WGNS asked Caban whether Teach Now participants receive the same salary as newly hired, already-certified teachers... According to information from the schools, “…successful participants who complete the county schools Educator Preparation Provider program will earn licensure advancement from practitioner to professional status.”

• Read more about the Teach Now program HERE.
• Learn about current openings in the county schools HERE.