TFC, Toccoa Elementary Expanding Partnership

Toccoa Elementary School and Toccoa Falls College are entering into an agreement looking to expand their partnership.

Thursday, the Stephens County Board of Education unanimously approved a Professional Development School Pilot Agreement between the elementary school and the college.

TFC Professor Carrie Ryan said under the agreement, one of her classes would be housed in the building and she would be in the building for a full day.

Ryan said this would expand upon the current arrangement where Toccoa Elementary uses student-teachers from Toccoa Falls College.

Stephens County School Superintendent Bryan Dorsey said the agreement just builds upon the relationship that is already there between TFC and Toccoa Elementary School.

“What we are doing is they are coming once a week to our facilities, making sure the ones they have that are student-teaching have the support from the college,” said Dorsey. “But they are also providing those kids to do things that are working with our students with no cost and also providing some additional professional development opportunities.”

Dorsey went on to say that it is an agreement that can benefit both the school system and the college.

“Our kids are going to get the support from their student-teachers,” said Dorsey. “The student-teachers get support from the college directing there on site and our teachers are able to utilize some resources that expand their opportunities for professional growth.”

Ryan said they hope to start implementing the new arrangement this Spring.

School officials said there is space at Toccoa Elementary School for the TFC class to use.

Also during Thursday’s Board of Education work session and called meeting, the Board reviewed its agenda for its business meeting on Tuesday.

The Stephens County Board of Education will meet on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Tugaloo Building of the Stephens County School System Administrative Offices on Mize Road.