The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System was recently awarded nearly $50,000 by the Tennessee Department of Education. Through the Perkins Reserve Grant (PRG), the district will receive $49,997 for FY22. The Tennessee Department of Education awarded 38 school districts from across the state, which collectively received over $2 million in awards.
These funds will support career and technical education (CTE) initiatives for students throughout Tennessee.
In a statement from the Tennessee Department of Education, Commissioner Penny Schwinn said, “Tennessee is continuing to focus on career and technical education to boost student readiness and postsecondary success, and the Perkins Reserve Grant awards help support this work, especially in our rural districts. These grant awards will ensure districts, schools and partners can continue coming together to help expand CTE opportunities for all students.”
CMCSS plans to fund an Educator Prep Program, through which qualified candidates who are coming directly from jobs in aligned business and industry sectors can become certified teachers. Historically, CMCSS has averaged 4-5 new CTE teachers per year entering the profession through this pathway. During the past two years, that number has risen to nine new teachers each year. As the district continues to grow and demand for career-ready pathways increases, the district will continue to actively prepare and support current educators and recruit new experts in their respective fields.
Not only will the district continue to recruit and train qualified teachers for CTE programs, but the PRG funding also will be used to continue educating students on the career opportunities and technical training available after graduation. CMCSS plans to increase engagement with middle school students in order to continue to generate interest and excitement for over 32 different CTE pathways, including those within the eight CMCSS Academies.
Introducing sixth through eighth-grade students to future careers allows them to better understand the multitude of options available after graduation. Likewise, it allows students to develop a more strategic path in their academic journey, providing the chance to explore future career paths while still in school.
“We are thrilled with the chance to expand our CTE educator training and recruitment,” said Dr. Dayna Paine, director of career and technical education. “Investing in students benefits not just the individual, but the community as a whole.”
For more information on the CMCSS Career and Technical Education programs, click here.
