The Florence City School board voted unanimously April 9 to approve a measure to reduce UNA graduate school tuition to $675 per course for teachers of the Florence City school system.

An anonymous donor made the deduction of this and other fees possible, said Janet Womack, superintendent of Florence City Schools.

“In order to accomplish this plan, we knew we needed to have the financial support of three separate entities,” Womack said. “We had Florence City Schools and UNA on board, but we needed a private donor as well to reduce the price. Through this arrangement, the educator will have still have a financial obligation when pursuing a master’s degree, but it will not be a large one.”

Womack said the program, which is called Impact 80, is designed to train teachers through UNA’s graduate studies to enhance the quality of the classroom experience within the school system.

“Teaching credentials are valid for a period of five years, and the most convenient way to renew a certificate is to earn a graduate degree,” said Donna Lefort, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences. “Since the retention rate for new teachers is extremely low, the advanced degree is one way to assist and support new teachers and hopefully encourage them to stay in the classroom. In addition, teachers are compensated based on the highest degree they hold, so earning master’s or specialist degrees will result in an increase in pay.”

The first group of teachers will most likely be able to begin their graduate studies this summer, Lefort said.

“With Impact 80, we wanted to set up a model that can be replicated by other schools systems in the state,” Womack said. “This is especially important at a time when so many teachers are retiring, so programs such as this one will allow younger individuals to gain valuable experience. We are so fortunate to live in a town where, as a school system, we have a university that is always willing to partner with us.”

Lefort said the donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, believes the initiative to equip teachers and enhance the classroom experience is worth the investment.

“Teachers have not had a pay raise since 2007, so this is also a strong incentive for the participants,” Lefort said.

Womack said the employees of Florence City Schools are highly valued because of the positive impact they have on students.

“In the world we live in, the team of leaders must be innovative and creative to be to retain the best (teachers) out there,” Womack said. “We are willing to work for that because we believe only the best teachers are good enough for our kids.”

The program’s curriculum will consist of 11 classes total, which the first 40 students will begin taking in June, Womack said.