At their May meeting, the Caroline County Board of Education awarded Aspiring Teacher Scholarships to four Caroline students:
• Jayla Holliday: Colonel Richardson High School: Secondary Education - English
• Wade Thomas: Colonel Richardson High School: Mathematics Education
• Alayna Stafford: North Caroline High School: Early Childhood Education
• Allysia Smith: North Caroline High School: Science Education
In 2015, the Board established the Aspiring Teachers Scholarship to assist CCPS graduates in obtaining a four-year degree in the field of teacher education, along with eligibility for a teaching certificate in Maryland at the conclusion of that degree. Along with ‘growing our own’ teachers, the Board’s intent was to encourage diversity in the teaching staff and address needs in declared critical shortage areas.
The annual award to each student is a $5,000 renewable four-year scholarship. Continued eligibility is based on continuing with an education major, obtaining a scholarship, accepting an employment offer if made by CCPS, and teaching for a minimum of two years.
Superintendent Derek L. Simmons congratulated students and said he looked forward to welcoming them back to Caroline County Public Schools as employees.