Local High School Grads to Serve as Urban Teachers

A future generation of teachers is in the making as the Hillsborough Education Foundation certified 29 students Monday night as part of their Urban Teaching Academy.

The foundation raised a total of $236,000 for the four-year high school program geared toward aspiring teachers. Students who meet the requirements are eligible for a scholarship covering the cost of tuition and books to complete a four-year degree at a community college and university. The catch is that students have to sign a contract that obligates them to return to teach for three years at an urban school in Hillsborough County.

"When these students come back and our principals interview them, they are going to be very skilled thanks to what the Urban Teaching Academy is doing," Hillsborough County Schools Superintendent MaryEllen Elia said as she started off the ceremony. "We are committed to great teachers, and I think this program is one of the best forms of support in creating great professionals ready to walk into the classroom."

On Monday night, the students received a medal and their certificate that makes them a part of the program. Graduates came from three Tampa high schools: Blake, Hillsborough and Middleton.

For Latifa Brown, who grew up at county recreation centers, the chance to go on and teach kids and touch lives the way her mentors at the recreation center is the opportunity she has always wanted. She will attend Hillsborough Community College with the intention of transferring to the University of South Florida.

"I feel like this is a big accomplishment because I won't have to worry about taking on books and tuition by myself, " Brown said. "I've always wanted to work in schools with kids the way people in the parks and recreation department did with me when I was a kid. I hope I can teach second- and third-graders some day."

For more information on the Hillsborough Education Foundation and the Urban Teaching Academy, visit educationfoundation.com.