TAP Talks engages future educators

More than 200 students attended the annual TAP Talks event at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center. 

 

Students heard education talks from the current and previous CCSD Teachers of the Year. They also learned about available scholarships, dual enrollment options with Augusta University, and were able to network with the Human Resources Department of the CCSD.

Since 2019, the CCSD has worked in collaboration with Augusta University to meet the teacher shortage facing the nation. As a result, students in the CCSD have the opportunity to earn up to 12 college credits towards an education degree from Augusta University, before graduating from high school.

“One of the best things we can do to ensure student achievement and success in the classroom for all students is to make sure we have an amazing teacher in front of every student in every classroom and every building in the Columbia County School District,” said Brooks Smith, CCSD Director of Career, Technology and Agriculture Education (CTAE).

“We are responsible for growing our own teachers to ensure that the next generation of students are going to have an amazing next generation of teachers,” Smith said.

In addition, five individual $1,000 scholarships from Georgia’s Own Credit Union, will be awarded to one graduating senior from each high school who is currently in the teaching as a profession pathway. The scholarships will be awarded at the annual Future Georgia Educators Signing Day event held during the CCSD’s Rookie of the Year Celebration for first-year teachers in May.

“We are excited to have the opportunity at TAP Talks to inspire these outstanding students who will one day be outstanding educators,” said Chief Human Resources Officer Tony Wright. “Building that solid pipeline of educators is crucial, and we want them to be great at what they do, as well as enjoy the journey, so hopefully they will come back and teach with us.”