New Teacher Academy pilot program graduates first class

	First New Teacher Academy Graduates listen as KCS Superintendent Dr. Charles Lindsey addresses the group at the Sarah Simpson Professional Development Technology Center.

Eighty-nine new teachers became the frist graduates of the New Teacher Academy May 19 at the Sarah Simpson Professional Development Technology Center.

The New Teacher Academy is a pilot program for Knox County Schools and the state of Tennessee. Teachers met once a week for nine weeks

	TEA President Judy Beasley spoke to the New Teacher Acadamey Graduates

Knox County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Charles Lindsey spoke about his one year as a kindergarten teacher and how he wished he had had support like the New Teacher Academy provided the teachers this year. Judy Beasley, President of the Tennessee Education Association, spoke on the importance of these new teachers and how they can really make a difference in a child's life.

The gradutation was sponsored by P & S School Supply, KCEA and Pepsi. P & S and Pepsi are Partners In Education with the Simpson Center.