Tech’s College of Education spring graduates are teaching near and far- from as close as Cookeville to as far as Virginia. There were 278 graduates Spring 2009. Teacher Education Director Sandy Smith estimates that about 200 of them currently hold teaching jobs at local school systems in the region. Some of those graduates have gone into to graduate assistantships or are seeking an advance degree.
“Most of the school systems recruit from here,” Smith said, “because we are regional. They want people who are going to be around and hopefully commit to their school system.”
The College of Education tries to follow where the graduates are teaching for about three years. They are currently tracking about 67 spring graduates. Those teaching include Brittani Taylor, Stephanie Hallman, Jamie Tipton, and Justin Stanford.
Music education major, Brittani Taylor, graduated last spring and is currently teaching at Scott County Public Schools in Virginia. She teaches 6-12th grade band at Twin Springs High, Nickelsville Elementary and Dungannon Elementary.
Stephanie Hallman, Spring 2009 graduate, teaches 10-12th grade Geometry at Cookeville High School here in Putnam County. Hallman was also the former Graduate Assistant for the COE Advising Center.
Jamie Tipton, a 2 Plus 2 onsite participant from the Moore County campus, also graduated in May. She now teaches 4th grade at Normal Park Museum Magnet School in Hamilton County.
Spring 2009 graduate, Justin Stanford, teaches at Siegel High in Rutherford County. He teaches Biology to 10th grade students.
Smith estimates that 197 students will complete the program and graduate in December 2009.
