The University of North Georgia (UNG) continues to be one of the top producers of teachers in the state of Georgia, as well as ranking highly on a pair of other key metrics.

In numbers released in late 2024 measuring results from 2023, UNG produced the sixth-most teachers in the state with 258, and among the top six teacher-producing programs, UNG had the top employer satisfaction scores and the third-best Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) scores.

"Our faculty and our staff have really worked hard to get out there and show people what UNG has to offer," Dr. Sheri Hardee, dean of the College of Education (COE), said. "We have great partnerships. Our district partners really support our students, as do our faculty. We have held on to our team approach of guiding students through their programs."

UNG has the Realizing and Inspiring Successful Educators Undergraduate Program (RISE UP) partnership with Hall County School District and the Aspiring Teachers Program with Gainesville City School System, which are "grow-your-own" programs whereby local students become paraprofessionals in these school districts while working toward their teaching degrees at UNG.

These numbers come at a time when the COE is providing multiple innovative teacher preparation options. The latest is the Teacher Candidate Residency Program (TCRP), in which seniors are full-time teachers of record with their own classrooms, receiving at least half the salary of a full-time educator. They are not eligible for full salary because they do not have a baccalaureate degree. They do receive benefits, including admission to teacher retirement. Students apply for the program in the fall semester of their junior year and are selected in the spring of their junior year.

Colin Baughman, a senior from Cleveland, Georgia, pursuing a degree in elementary and special education, is part of the TCRP and teaches second grade at Jack P. Nix Elementary School in his hometown. He said his dual degree program has already paid dividends as he begins his teaching career while still in college.

"I'm thankful for the support I've received through UNG," Baughman said. "They're always looking for ways you can improve and giving you everything you need to be successful."

Alex Cater, a senior from Ball Ground, Georgia, pursuing a degree in middle grades education with concentrations in science and social studies, appreciates the sense of community in her program. UNG has also encouraged her ability to be a safe place for students no matter what they face outside the classroom.

"What you can control is your own space and how you impact other people," Cater said.

Jared Koldoff, a social studies teacher at Gainesville High School, recently finished his Master of Education in curriculum and instruction at UNG and said the experience helped him grow as an educator.

"I feel one of the most valuable results of the program was the chance to showcase my professional abilities, but also to engage professionally and confidently with colleagues in the classes," Koldoff said.

Dr. Carly Womack-Wynne, interim associate dean for accreditation and assessment and department head of Middle Grades, Secondary and Science Education, said faculty in subject matter areas like the sciences, mathematics, English, and others are part of the secret to how UNG trains such well-prepared teachers.

"We have an excellent relationship with our content area partners," Womack-Wynne said. "This helps us prepare our candidates to apply that knowledge in the field and make sure they have the depth they need when they go in the classroom."

An example of the initiative of UNG's future educators is that one student pitched Stephens County on being part of the TCRP, and that's how UNG expanded the program to that district. Dr. Paula Tench, department head and associate professor of Elementary and Special Education, said teacher preparation requires flexibility.

"We are constantly changing. We have to change to keep up with the needs of our students, our communities and our partners," Tench said. "You have to rock the boat to get where you need to be."

Dr. Kelly McFaden, interim assistant dean and department head of Social Foundations and Leadership Education, said this innovative approach benefits UNG's students.

"We try to make sure our program is preparing our future educators for today and tomorrow," McFaden said.