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UTM guarantees teachers with warranty


UTM has become the first public university in the state to offer a teacher warranty program involving up to 40 Tennessee school districts.

The purpose of the agreement is to guarantee the quality of teachers who complete UTM’s undergraduate teacher education program and who are employed by a partner school system.

In the first phase of the initiative, UTM has already completed agreements with seven area school systems including Dyer County, Dyersburg City, Hollow Rock-Bruceton Special School District, McKenzie City Schools, Obion County, Union City and Weakley County.

During phase two, several dozen school districts throughout the region will be invited to enter into the teacher warranty partnership. An announcement listing those additional school districts who choose to participate is expected in early November.

“We believe very strongly in the quality of our teacher education graduates and this ‘guarantee’ is a confirmation of our faculty and our program design,” said Chancellor Nick Dunagan.

“Accountability and assessment are important and with this program we are telling participating school districts that we stand behind our graduates. This should also help maintain the very positive reputation of our teacher education program and assist our students as they seek good jobs.”

UTM graduates between 125 and 150 new teachers each year. The Teacher Warranty Program will back up these graduates with a written agreement that provides a three-year guarantee for each new teacher who has completed an approved teacher education program at UTM.

The Teacher Warranty Program will also help maximize learning for all P-12 students.

“UT Martin implemented the agreement as part of a university-wide focus on excellence in teacher education,” said Dr. Thomas Rakes, vice chancellor for academic affairs at UTM.

“We are committed to