How Durham Public Schools is recruiting nationwide
This article was written for our sponsor, Durham Public Schools
With over 32,000 students in Durham Public Schools, from elementary to high school, the district works to meet each student’s and teacher’s needs.
"Durham Public Schools offers a wide range of opportunities for our students such as traditional programs, magnet programs, Early College, and Durham School of the Arts," said Alvera Lesane, assistant superintendent for DPS. "DPS focuses on equity to ensure our students have what they need to be successful. In addition, we provide mentors and coaches for our new teachers and extended academic support for our high need schools."
One of the unique things about DPS is the racial diversity of the student body, according to Lesane:
- 41.6% of students are African American.
- 32.8% are Hispanic/Latino.
- 19% are White.
- 6.6% are American Indian, Asian, Hawaiian Pacific, or multiracial.
The district’s commitment to diversity and equity has led it to hire staff from outside the Durham area. For example, Princesa Santiago is a 7th grade English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at Neal Middle School.
"I studied in Puerto Rico at the University of Puerto Rico at Cayey and also did my practicum there," Santiago said. "It is amazing to be working here at Neal and being able to put in practice everything that I learned in my home country. When I started college, I was 14 years old. I already knew I was made for the position I have now."
DPS hired Santiago through an outreach program with a goal to employ more bilingual teachers.
"I got hired directly from the island and was brought here because the Spanish-speaking population in DPS is very high," Santiago said. "At least in my school, the majority of students speak Spanish, and we have a very high concentration of ESL students — some of which are not Spanish speakers."
Though it was a change to go from living in tropical Puerto Rico to Durham, Santiago said she has come to love the city.
"Durham is very diverse and open to this new world we’re living in," Santiago said. "I have been to Latino parties, LGBTQ celebrations, and Asian gatherings all in the same place. People here are really nice and make you feel welcome."
Additionally, the school feels like a family, Santiago said.
"I have been supported since day one as a beginning teacher," Santiago said. "Even if I have had problems, I can honestly say that things always have gotten resolved. I’ve been offered many opportunities to expand my abilities as a teacher and a person. And the students will always be first here."
Durham Public Schools is still recruiting to fill a number of positions, including teachers, after school care workers, and bus drivers. Beyond working at an inclusive school district, there are many benefits to living in Durham, including that it’s a cultural epicenter.
"The quality of life here is very good," Santiago said. "First, people here are very nice, and the population is diverse. You will be meeting people of all races, all religions, all sexual orientations, and more. From experience, I haven’t seen much judgment here. Everyone can find at least one place where they can feel totally safe."
Another benefit of living in Durham is the food and culture scene that offers hip restaurants, historical sites, live music, performing arts, 68 parks, citywide public transportation, and a biking and walking-friendly landscape.
"Having a job here has been a great adventure for me," Santiago said. "There is still much for me to learn and explore in Durham."
Learn more about open positions at Durham Public Schools and apply at dpsnc.net/jobs.
This article was written for our sponsor, Durham Public Schools
