GCS Receives National Award for Supporting, Mentoring Teachers

Partnership between the District and the Guilford County Association of Educators Recognized

Contact: Haley Miller (336) 370-3200
Created: 6/11/2008 2:30:12 PM

Guilford County Schools (GCS) is one of only six districts nationwide to receive the 2008 NEA-Saturn/UAW Partnership Award, which recognizes exemplary partnership efforts between local school districts and education associations. Each year, GCS partners with the Guilford County Association of Educators (GCAE) to focus on innovative teacher retention and recruitment strategies.

“It is so important for the district to be a support system for teachers, especially during the teacher’s first few years,” said Martha Snavely, executive director of induction and success/professional development for GCS. “Together with GCAE, we work hard every day to ensure no teacher is left behind. It is an honor to be recognized for these efforts.”

With the help of GCAE, GCS recently formed the Department of Induction and Success, which provides incentives for new hires. The department supports rookie teachers, lateral entry teachers and veteran educators by providing member benefit materials, a new teacher survival kit and a healthy dose of hospitality during its induction orientation sessions.

“GCAE knows that when we work together with administration in partnership to establish and sustain new teacher induction programs that nurture and guide new teachers, professional satisfaction and retention rates soar,” said Mark Jewell, GCAE president. “We are honored to be recognized with the GCS Office of Induction and Success as one of the top six programs in the nation. This prestigious award, a first for a North Carolina district, recognizes this comprehensive program that contains high quality mentoring, teamwork and accountability for results.”

Started in 1997 as a way to highlight innovative partnerships, two of the nation’s largest and most powerful unions sponsor the award. The National Education Alliance (NEA) is the nation's largest professional employee organization, committed to advancing the cause of public education. The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), is one of the largest and most diverse unions in North America, with members in virtually every sector of the economy.

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About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools is the third largest school district in North Carolina serving more than 71,000 students at 120 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. 

Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship.  For more information, visit the district’s Web site at www.gcsnc.com.