GCSSD partners with UT Martin to broaden opportunities for students

GIBSON COUNTY, Tenn. — The Gibson County Special School District has partnered with UT Martin to increase early post-secondary credit opportunities.

“It gives students here at Gibson County High School and also the Gibson County Schools a chance to be exposed to what we are teaching here in the classroom in their community,” said Dr. Chancy Freeman, chancellor for UT Martin.

This program creates new ways for students to earn college credits, beyond traditional dual enrollment, including experiential learning. With the teacher shortage, this program also creates opportunities for teaching careers.

“We are in an area where we’re needing teachers and we can’t find them currently, and so, this program or initiative will reduce the amount of time that it will take for students to get their teaching degree,” said Eddie Pruett, director for the Gibson County Special School District.

The teacher prep program also allows students to gain hands-on experience.

“They’ll be able to take up to 30 credit hours here while they’re in school, and then, potentially we’ll be able to utilize them in work-based learning. So, we can hire them as teacher aides,” said Pruett.

“It gives us also a chance to focus on agriculture. This is an ag community,” said Dr. Freeman.

Through the district’s agriculture programs, students can earn transferable credits to either join the workforce early or move onto higher education.

This program is funded through UT promise, allowing students to take up to five college credits.

An interest meeting for the teacher prep program will be held next semester.

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