Through a strategic partnership directed by the Checkered
Flag Run Foundation, veterans and their families throughout the Valley will be
supported to become Guest Teacher Substitutes in Arizona. “We want to create an
opportunity for veterans who served their country to now have the opportunity to
serve in the classroom” said Checkered Flag Run founder Alan “AP” Powell, a
U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran.
In a recent survey conducted by the Arizona School
Administers, 52 school districts reported to have almost 1,700 vacancies for the
2016-2017 school year. This number represents a drastic increase from the 1,200
vacancies reported by 85 school districts in August 2015.
The Veterans Reach To Teach initiative was created to serve
as a resource for local school districts affected by the large number of teacher
vacancies, while also serving as a bridge for veterans looking to serve their
local communities in education.
The VRtT initiative will assist veterans with a bachelor’s
degree in securing their substitute teaching certificates and prepare them for
substitute teaching during the summer months. Guest Teacher substitutes are
currently in high demand.
Teachers On Call Arizona, a local educational services
agency, has partnered with Checkered Flag Run Foundation, the Black Chamber of
Arizona, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion Post 65,
Purposely.com and Arizona State Representative Reginald Bolding to connect,
engage and prepare veterans for substitute teaching assignments beginning in
August 2016.
State Representative Reginald Bolding noted “when a
teacher is absent, without a substitute available - classes are frequently
combined or other teachers lose their preparation period. This can impact
multiple classroom learning environments. Quality substitute teachers can have a
direct impact on under-served student populations.”
Teachers On Call Arizona will provide veterans with a wide
variety of Professional Development courses, including specially developed
coursework, and will work closely with new veteran Guest Teachers to ensure they
are well prepared for success in the classroom. “Children respond well to
interesting people in their lives, and we are confident that well-prepared
veteran guest teachers will resonate with children. New veteran Guest Teachers
will play an important role in meeting the needs of teachers throughout the
Valley in the coming school year and beyond,” explained an excited Dan
Nienhauser, Executive Director Teachers On Call Arizona.
Veterans Reach To Teach launch event will take place at
10am on Wednesday, May 4th, at the American Legion Post 65 in Phoenix
(NE corner of 16th Street and Broadway Rd). Speakers include
Arizona State Representative Reginald Bolding, Dan Nienhauser, Dr. Robert Pipkin
(veteran and former principal/substitute teacher), and Kerwin Brown
(President/CEO, Black Chamber of Arizona). Veterans will be able to meet with
school district leaders, learn more about the substitute process, and even apply
for an IVP Fingerprint card on site. Several Valley school districts have
already expressed an early interest in joining the initiative including
Creighton School District, Laveen Elementary School District, Phoenix Union High
School District, Tempe Elementary School District, and Tolleson Union High
School District.
# # #
About Checkered Flag Run Foundation (“CFRF”): CRFR’s
mission is to provide diverse educational programs that impact under-served
students. Our belief is access to quality educational opportunities ensures the
investment of every student getting to cross the “finish line”.
About Teachers On Call Arizona (“TOCA”): TOCA is a local,
Arizona-based educational agency that is committed to the highest quality Guest
Teachers and superior direct/temp-to-perm educational services.
About the Black Chamber of Arizona(“BCOA”): The mission of
the Black Chamber of Arizona (BCA) is to improve the economic development of our
business entrepreneurs and the communities we serve.
About Arizona State Representative Reginald Bolding: Rep.
Bolding represents Legislative District 27 which covers Downtown Phoenix, South
Phoenix, Laveen, Guadalupe and parts of Gila River Indian Community. He serves
on both the House Education Committee and the Ways and Means Committee.
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