As part of a collaborative effort to simultaneously improve PreK-12 education and teacher preparation, CCDS has a longstanding partnership with the University of North Florida through a variety of programs.  The Undergraduate JTR Program is a one-year residency program. Where residents will complete their undergraduate pre-internship coursework in the fall, culminating in the completion of a Professional Internship requirement in the spring. Interns will apply to the JTR Program, and  will be recruited and accepted based on selection criteria jointly established by CCDS and UNF, and will complete the prescribed program of preparation, which is organized around a residency experience in the classroom of a Clinical Residency Mentor.

Without this Affiliation Agreement with the University of North Florida for the Jacksonville Teacher Residency Program, this comprehensive one-year residency program for interns would not be available, which would limit the development opportunities for teacher candidates. 

Clay County District Schools and the University of North Florida have established partnerships through other educator preparation programs in the following areas: Teacher Preparation, School Counseling, School Leadership, and Disability Services.  The JTR program currently exists in another district, and this will be the first year expanding this program into Clay County District Schools.

As a result of the UNF Jacksonville Teacher Residency (JTR) AmeriCorps Program, future teachers of Clay County students will gain more on-the-job learning and be better prepared for the rigors of the classroom.  

Goal 2: Talent Recruitment, Development, and Retention

Strategy 1.1: Develop strategic partnerships with organizations and universities to source new talent for a diverse workforce that is effective and highly-qualified for non-instructional, instructional, and administrative positions throughout CCDS

That the Clay County School Board approve the Jacksonville Teacher Residency (JTR) AmeriCorps Program Affiliation Agreement between Clay County District Schools and the University of North Florida.