Jordan School District throws welcome celebration for its 280 new teachers

SOUTH JORDAN — It's almost time for Utah kids to go back to school. Students will start going back to class over the next few weeks — but on Friday, it was all about the teachers.

You could feel the energy at Bingham High School as the Jordan School District gave a big welcome celebration to its new teachers in style, complete with cheerleaders and a drill line, and teachers are feeling the love.

"I feel very welcome and it's very exciting," said Andrea Pischnotte, music teacher at West Hills Middle School.

"It was super fun just to kindofcomeinand see the two lines of people on either side, and everyone just saying, 'Hi,'" said Brent Williams, fourth grade teacher at Mountain Point Elementary.

"They're showing excitement, which makes me feel like 'Oh, this is a good environment, this is an exciting environment that I want to be a part of,'" said Katerina Suggs, first grade teacher at Bastian Elementary.

It's a day full of free swag, prizes, and teacher support workshops to help them get a jump start on the year.

"This is one of the greatest things that we can do to celebrate those that are joining education and making an impact on our communities," said Jane Olsen, human resources specialist at Jordan School District.

Right now, the Jordan School District is having significant success attracting new teachers and keeping the ones they've got. Their teacher retention rate is about 80%-90%, and they're welcoming 280 new teachers this year.

So what is Jordan doing right? One new teacher told KSL-TV that the way they treated her when she was student teaching made her want to apply.

"It's competitive. I was up against 100-plus applicants for some of my job applications, so I felt lucky to just get an interview. And then when I was offered the position at the same school I student-taught at, I jumped at the opportunity," said Keely Bullock, sixth grade teacher at Daybreak Elementary.

The district superintendent said hiring the right people is part of the secret.

"There are great people to work with everywhere you look in Jordan School District, wonderful colleagues, and it's a meaningful profession where you know you're making a difference," said Anthony Godfrey, Jordan School District superintendent.

The superintendent said he feels offering support like Friday's workshops also helps. Teachers that KSL-TV spoke with agree.

"It makes me feel encouraged that I've got a network of people behind me to support me with that," Pischnotte said.

The new school year is practically here. The first day of class for the Jordan School District is Aug. 20.

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