Around 200 new teachers adjusting to JCPS classrooms throughout Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- There are about 200 new teachers in classrooms at Jefferson County Public Schools this year.

Nakeisha Greene is a first-year social studies teacher at Iroquois High School.

She has had a passion for teaching since she was young. She tutored her younger cousins and taught in Lexington.

"I knew that education was something I wanted to do, especially when I became a para-educator, I knew I wanted to have a career in education," Greene said.

Greene was drawn to Iroquois High School because of its culture.

JCPS NEW TEACHER IROQUOIS — Nakeisha Greene teaches psychology and U.S. History at Iroquois High School in Louisville, Ky.

"I got a sense that this was a supportive culture," Greene said said.

Dr. Toetta Taul has been the principal at Iroquois High School for four years. With 22 years in education, Taul enjoys the energy of new teachers.

"I love new teachers because they bring new ideas, a lot of innovative thoughts into the profession, and they have wonderful energy," Taul said. "They're ready to hit the ground running and just be part of our dynamic team here."

Jefferson County Board of Education approved a 5% raise for full-time permanent and part-time employees over the course of the next two years.

The raise will be split into 2% and 3% of the next two fiscal years. A 2% raise will take effect starting July 1, 2025, followed by a 3% raise during the 2025-26 fiscal year.

According to the school district, JCPS has increased employee salaries by 14% from 2023 to 2026.

Greene is teaching all four grade levels at Iroquois. She's currently commuting from Lexington to Louisville every day, but is making the adjustment to a new school.

"It's been a little stressful at times, but the amount of support I've gotten here has made it a lot easier for me to transition," Greene said.

Greene has also spent time getting to know her students individually in the first few days of class. She encourages other people interested in education to pursue their interest.

"It is a great district to work in and once you get to know the students, they're amazing," Greene said. "Hopefully I inspire other people. Even if you took a break, I took a three-year break before I actually got into the education field, just go out on the limb and follow your dream."

Taul said it's important to advocate and support new teachers. It also offers a rewarding career.

"I would encourage people who may be thinking about it to really go into a school, find out what's going on, become immersed in that community, go in and observe a classroom, talk to a teacher about it," Taul said.

By mid-school year, JCPS expects to have 300 open teaching positions.

The school district is working to fill the gaps by working with nearby universities. The Louisville Teachers Residency Program is an intensive 13-month program with classes at the University of Louisville and Bellarmine University. It requires a 3.0 GPA or better, along with a Bachelor's degree.

JCPS is also recruiting teachers in Puerto Rico to fill positions.

To learn more about jobs at JCPS, click here.

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