The purpose of this professional development School partnership is to prepare teacher candidates and designed Partnerships schools the partnership provides an opportunity for the University of North Florida College of Education and Human Services to enhance the coursework field and internship experiences component of its teacher preparation program by forging strong linkages with the district and by providing opportunities for Teacher candidates and other University students to work with and alongside teachers who are implementing effective and Innovative teaching practices. 

CCDS has partnered with UNF through a PDS school model since 2017, and would like to continue this beneficial partnership through the framework outlined in the MOU to continue to recruit and retain highly effective educators.

Without the Memorandum of Understanding with the University of North Florida for the PDS model, pre-service interns/pre-interns would not receive the level of coaching, support and mentorship that accompanies the PDS model.

Clay County District Schools and the University of North Florida have an established partnership through the PDS model.  Since 2017, the institutions have partnered to provide more intensive support for pre-service teachers through the PDS Model.  Additionally, Project PREP (Partnering to Renew the Educator Pipeline) has grown from this partnership to provide financial incentives and more comprehensive job-embedded learning opportunities for teacher candidates, mentor teachers, and educational leaders in CCDS.

As a result of the PDS partnership with the University of North Florida, 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 Resident Clinical Faculty Memorandum of Understanding between Clay County District Schools and the University of North Florida.