The University of Alabama College of Education has signed contracts with the first two school districts for “Teach in Bama,” a program aimed at identifying, supporting and retaining the next generation of talented teachers in Alabama classrooms.

Tuscaloosa City Schools and Greene County Schools have signed memoranda of understanding with the program, which is recruiting school districts across the state.

Dr. Carlton McHarg, Director of Admissions and Student Services Faculty of Educationsaid the Teach in Bama development team launched the initiative in 2023 in response to a growing teacher shortage in the state and across the nation.

“The issue of filling full-time faculty vacancies has been studied extensively over the past few years,” he said. “In particular, Recent Research A study conducted by the Annenberg Institute at Brown University found that there is a national shortage of 55,000 teachers, with more than 1,300 vacancies in Alabama alone.”

How Teach in Bama works

High school juniors and seniors interested in a teaching career are recruited as Teach in Bama Scholars.

Students selected for this group will take UA Early College courses during the spring and fall semesters. During the summer, participants will learn more about their future education and careers at the Teach in Bama Institute under the guidance of faculty and staff from the College of Education. Students will also participate in the UA Early College Summer Residential Program, living and learning on campus for five weeks.

In addition to special programs and course credits, “Teach in Bama” participants also have access to a wealth of UA resources, including academic and career coaches, tutors and the UA Writing Center.

University support continues into TIB participants’ first educational experience after graduation.

Interested students must be current juniors or seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in all high school and post-secondary coursework.

Your application requires a personal statement and three letters of recommendation (two from your school and one from a community or person outside your family).

Program Requirements

• Scholars must earn a minimum of three hours of University of Alabama Early College credit by Dec. 18 and enroll in a three- or four-hour UAEC class in spring 2025.
• Participate in the Early College Summer Residential Program, enroll for six hours, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0.
• Participate in the Teach in Bama Institute (held in conjunction with the Early College Summer Program).
• Students who meet the above criteria will be considered for priority consideration for the Teach in Bama scholarship to attend The University of Alabama.
• To maintain their Teach in Bama scholarship, students must maintain a 3.0 GPA, be enrolled at UA, and complete a minimum of 12 hours of an approved teacher education program each semester to continue receiving the scholarship.

School systems that sign agreements with Teach in Bama also receive priority opportunities to recruit Teach in Bama scholars.