FCS Hosts Second Annual TEACH Signing Day to Celebrate Future Educators

Franklin County Schools (FCS) proudly hosted its Second Annual TEACH Signing Day, recognizing a new group of Early College High School (ECHS) students who have committed to pursuing careers in education through the district’s innovative TEACH Program — Teachers Educated and Cultivated at Home.

This “grow-your-own” initiative is designed to create a sustainable teacher pipeline by providing Franklin County students with a clear, supported pathway from high school to the classroom. In collaboration with Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) and East Carolina University’s Partnership Teach, TEACH prepares students to return and serve as highly effective educators in Franklin County Schools.

“We are proud to celebrate our second cohort of future educators,” said Superintendent Dr. Rhonda Schuhler. “The TEACH Program is about investing in the talent that already exists in our community. These students are the future of education in Franklin County.”

Program Overview:
Students are recruited during their sophomore year at Early College High School and enrolled in courses through VGCC that align with ECU’s Partnership Teach prerequisites. These classes count toward both high school graduation and an associate degree. After graduation, students continue in ECU’s online, part-time Partnership Teach program to complete a degree and earn teacher licensure in:

• Elementary Education

• Middle Grades Education – Social Studies & Language Arts

• Special Education – Adapted and General Curriculum

Highlights of the TEACH Program include:

• 📘 Mentorship – Students are paired with FCS mentor teachers who offer monthly guidance, answer questions, and assist with recruiting efforts.

• 💼 Paid Internships – Juniors and seniors are offered paid summer learning internships in FCS schools.

• 🎓 Instructional Assistant Roles – Graduates may work as instructional assistants while completing ECU coursework.

• 💰 Tuition Assistance – Program tuition is fully covered by federal funds, as long as students maintain academic and employment requirements.

• ✏️ Job Guarantee – Upon completion of the degree and licensure, students are guaranteed teaching positions in FCS (based on certification and vacancies).

To participate, students sign a service agreement committing to work as a teacher in Franklin County Schools for at least two years after graduating from ECU. This initiative not only supports students' dreams of becoming educators but also addresses long-term workforce needs across the district.

“We are cultivating our future educators right here at home,” said Freda Clifton, Executive Director of Human Resources. “This program represents our dedication to both student opportunity and staffing excellence in FCS.”

For more information about the TEACH Program – Teachers Educated and Cultivated at Home, click here.