During the Employee Institute on Aug. 7, the Adopt a Teacher program was unveiled to the staff of Gulf Shores City schools with a presentation and a video message from Peggy Brookins, President and CEO of NBCT.

The school system hoped to have 24 teachers commit to the program. That goal has already been met, as 45 teachers have committed.

The Adopt a Teacher program was designed by the Dolphin Foundation for Education and Arts to pay for individual teachers to become National Board Certified Teachers. The NBCT program is an intensive 2-year program. Statistics prove that with certified teachers, students gain one to two months of additional education each year. A student enjoying certified teachers through their K – 12 school experience could achieve the equivalence of up to two more years of schooling.

Currently, there are three NBC teachers at GSCS; however, 45 teachers have committed to training to become National Board Certified. When these teachers complete training, the GSCS average will be 37 percent. The national average for NBC teachers is 3 percent.

“Initially the hope was to raise enough funds and have 24 teachers commit,” Jason Stephenson, President of Dolphin Foundation for Education and Arts, said. The foundation will continue with their fundraising efforts and Stephenson is confident the funds for all 45 teachers will be raised thanks to the communities generosity.

The Dolphin Foundation anticipates more teachers will enroll in the program next year.

“We believe that this ‘what more can I do’ attitude demonstrated by the GSCS teachers is in direct reflection of the support and enthusiasm shown by Dr. Matt Akin, Dr. Stephanie Harrison and the entire GSCS leadership,” Stephenson said.

If you would like more information visit www.thegsdf.org.