Palm Beach County School District welcomes 18 new teachers through education program

June 10, 2026 - 18:36

The Palm Beach County School District has welcomed 18 new teachers who completed a special program designed to turn current district employees into certified educators. This marks the first graduating class of the district's associate teacher program, which helps staff members earn college degrees and state teaching certifications while continuing to work.

The program targets employees who already have some college credits but need additional coursework and classroom experience to qualify for full teaching roles. Participants take classes through a partnership with local colleges and receive hands-on training in district schools. The district covers tuition costs and provides mentors to guide each candidate through the process.

Officials say the program helps address teacher shortages by tapping into a pool of people who already know the district's culture and student needs. Many of the new teachers previously worked as paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, or office staff. They now hold positions in elementary, middle, and high schools across the county.

The district plans to expand the program in the coming years. Leaders hope to graduate another cohort of teachers by the start of the next school year. The initiative is part of a broader effort to recruit and retain educators in a competitive job market.