Amid nationwide shortage, JCPS promotes alternative certification programs to expand teacher pool

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- As school districts across the country continue to grapple with a teacher shortage, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is ramping up efforts to recruit, retain and grow its own educators through a range of certification pathways.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 80% of U.S. public school districts report difficulty filling open teaching positions—estimated to total around 50,000 nationwide this school year. JCPS estimates it averages about 300 teacher vacancies annually, but retention rates remain higher than national average.

To address the gap, JCPS is expanding and promoting its alternative certification initiatives.

For Nikki Shrader, those efforts opened a door to a new career. A former bookkeeper at a JCPS elementary school, Shrader now teaches kindergarten at Trunnell Elementary while completing her certification through an alternative route.

“It gave me the opportunity to jump right into the classroom and not have to miss any work for schooling,” Shrader said.

She’s currently pursuing a master’s degree in elementary education through the University of Louisville, supported by a JCPS program that offers training, mentorship, and tuition assistance.

“They are not just in a classroom with no preparation whatsoever,” said Cynthia Grohmann, JCPS chief of human resources. “They are doing the coursework that any educator is doing who goes through a traditional program.”

JCPS currently offers several established and emerging programs designed to support aspiring educators from within the district and beyond:

• Option 9 Pathway to Certification: Now in its second year, this program allows University of Louisville students to gain classroom experience while working as instructional assistants alongside mentor teachers.

• OVEC First Time, Long Time Program: Provides tuition assistance and mentorship for teachers earning certification in shortage areas like special education. Participants attend monthly online sessions and summer training.

• Classified Employee Teacher Pipeline Program: Offers tuition support for current full-time JCPS employees enrolled in a Kentucky-approved Teacher Preparation Program.

• Louisville Teacher Residency Program: A yearlong apprenticeship for diverse, mission-driven candidates to earn a master’s degree and teaching license through UofL or Bellarmine University.

• Teach Kentucky Partnership: Recruits alternative-route teachers from across the country to JCPS through a master’s of arts in teaching (MAT) program. Participants receive relocation incentives and may qualify for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award.

• Option 7 Partnership (Spring 2025): A fast-track certification-only program for college graduates transitioning into teaching. Participants earn provisional certification to begin teaching immediately and can complete full certification in 18 months.

• Teacher Apprenticeship Program (2025-26): Offers high school juniors in JCPS Teacher Pathway programs the opportunity to graduate with 48 college credit hours toward a teaching degree. Students will train with mentor teachers and commit to returning to JCPS as certified educators.

The district’s recruitment work also aligns with a statewide effort from the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), which recently launched a campaign to elevate the teaching profession and recruit future educators.

The campaign includes a statewide television commercial, updated GoTeachKY website, and billboards featuring 21 GoTeachKY ambassadors—teachers selected for their commitment and excellence in education.

Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher emphasized the campaign’s broader mission.

“Through our latest marketing efforts, we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible educators who make a difference every day,” Fletcher said. “We aim to motivate future teachers and ignite a passion for education in those who will shape the next generation of learners.”

Shrader, who brings both life and professional experience to the classroom, said the support of JCPS’ alternative pathways helped make her transition to teaching possible.

“Having my own kids before, having a career, and knowing how to have patience with people, definitely helped me get into this program,” she said.

JCPS is currently hiring for the 2025–26 school year. Those interested in applying or learning more about alternative certification programs can contact the JCPS central office or visit GoTeachKY.com.