About 29 seniors were eligible to apply this year, and Donovan expected eight to 10 of them to apply. The academy marks its second year with a graduating class in 2021. The program is only open to students who are enrolled in the educators academy. “This has kind of been a goal, with the national teacher shortages, to try to encourage our students to go into education,” said Cathy Donovan, director of staffing and talent acquisition for the district. The district’s new “Hire Our Own” program targets students in its 21st Century Future Educators Academy at Olathe East, with the hope of making them employees in four years. Juniors Sona Patel, left, Clarissa Worley and Stephanie Jamie-Torrecilla work together at the educators academy.Ī guaranteed job when you’re fresh out of college can be a strong incentive to graduate, and that’s what the Olathe School District is aiming to provide.
