Fifteen years ago, Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) created the Academies of Nashville program to address the district’s low graduation rate by transforming all 12 traditionally zoned high schools into smaller “schools within schools.”¶
Today those schools are home to 36 academies that each provide students with real-world experiences including industry field trips, internships, and career practicums to connect classroom learning to careers they’re interested in. The nationally recognized program now involves more than 365 community partners helping immerse students in diverse fields ranging from automotive technology, to engineering, and healthcare.¶
The district featured John Overton High School Engineering Teacher Sally Spear in a video last year to explain what the program is bringing to students.¶
“Everything from the medical sciences, to engineering, to mechatronics, anything that is high demand in our area. Provides students with opportunities for employment at a much faster and higher rate than their peers who do not get to experience the academies and understand what’s available to them in the area,” said Spear.¶
One of the challenges though is recruiting teachers like Spear to take part. That’s according to the Chamber Education Report 2024 produced by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. A committee of education, business, and community leaders spent the last eight months exploring the way the academy program is providing students with career and technical education (CTE) to prepare the report.¶
The committee found several factors are making it more challenging to recruit CTE teachers, including money. ¶
The report said teacher salaries remain significantly lower than wages in many CTE industries. First year MNPS teachers earn $53,343 thousand a year for example, while the average IT professional earns $121,900 according to the report. Additionally, potential CTE teachers sometimes face a financial burden taking the necessary teacher licensure exams.¶
“We are inspired by the successes of the Academies of Nashville, which have redefined access to opportunity and demonstrated the extraordinary potential of CTE,” wrote committee co-chairs Brandon Hill and Jeffery Takiue. “With industries like healthcare, technology, construction, and hospitality experiencing significant demand for skilled talent, ensuring our students have access to career pathways is essential. CTE not only equips students with the tools they need for financial independence but also strengthens Nashville’s economy and ensures our community remains resilient and innovative.” ¶
The committee provided four recommendations to help strengthen the district’s process of recruiting CTE teachers including working closer with business partners to improve the recruitment process. This could include partnering with business to encourage them to offer their own employees as part-time or full-time teaching staff.¶
The report also recommended state leaders to create new flexibility to help potential CTE teachers overcome licensure challenges. The report identified potential changes including allowing more flexible requirements for Praxis exams and allowing candidates with documented work experience to demonstrate knowledge without needing to pass an exam.¶
“The intent of providing flexibility is not to lower the standards for teachers, but rather to make it easier for individuals with industry expertise and knowledge of emerging technologies—skills critical for future high-demand careers—to enter the profession,” the report said. “Financial and procedural barriers limit the entry of potential CTE teachers, as well as other high-demand fields such as exceptional education and English language instruction.”¶
The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce produces an education report annually. Last year’s report centered on improving the pathways for students to earn those degrees and credentials¶
