Our commitment to enhancing the quality of education in Wicomico County is evident through various initiatives aimed at attracting diverse talent, nurturing aspiring educators, and recognizing accomplished teaching. In line with this, our recruitment efforts have expanded significantly, with participation in five additional recruitment fairs this year, including the Diversity in Education Virtual Teacher Recruitment Fair. This strategic move enables us to reach educators from diverse backgrounds nationwide, fostering a richer educational environment for our county.

One initiative gaining considerable traction is our Grow Our Own program. Currently, 18 instructional assistants are actively engaged in the Cradling the Early Years Apprenticeship Program in partnership with Salisbury University. These individuals will soon graduate with an early childhood degree and will become eligible to be full time teachers. Furthermore, our support extends beyond financial assistance, encompassing online Praxis preparation and mentorship stipends under the Maryland Leads: Grant Opportunity. This comprehensive approach ensures that our future educators receive the necessary guidance and resources to excel in their chosen field.

The pursuit of National Board Certification (NBC) among our teaching staff continues to soar. In 2023 -2024 WCPS had an impressive 143 initial and continuing candidates. Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 school year, we have an additional 132 new candidates striving for NBC, a testament to our commitment to recognizing and fostering accomplished teaching. A support program has been implemented and will continue to grow as more teachers earn their certification and become qualified to mentor new candidates. Additionally, we will continue to utilize Ed Connective Virtual one-on-one NBC coaches this year, while a resource hub in the form of a Google Classroom offers further assistance to candidates navigating their portfolio work. These initiatives underscore our unwavering dedication to elevating teaching excellence in Wicomico County.

Developing and supporting educational leaders is crucial for fostering a thriving and dynamic learning environment. Partnering with Salisbury University's Academy for Leadership in Education exemplifies a commitment to this cause. This program aims to build collaboration, teamwork, trust, and transformational relationships among participants. It also seeks to create a common language for leaders to use in establishing a culture of leadership excellence. Success is measured by an increase in effective leadership behaviors, fostering positive relational attitudes, and a willingness among participants to seek opportunities for growth and take necessary risks. The program ensures participants experience life-changing realizations and commit to continual learning, leaving with practical tools to aid them on their leadership journeys.

In October 2024, we hosted an event for instructional assistants who are interested in learning about pathways to teaching certification. Representatives from Wor-Wic Community College, Salisbury University, and University of Maryland Eastern Shore spoke with the group of 46 instructional assistants about pathways to certification in Child Development, Special Education, and Early Childhood Education. WCPS remains committed to expanding Grow Your Own opportunities.

2024-2025 Pillar 2 Goals

• Increase the diversity of staff through changes in hiring process and practices

• Increase the number of NBCT in the district

• Successfully negotiate the level four of the Career Ladder

• Increase the number of certified teachers through Grow Your Own Programs

• Provide district leaders with growth opportunities