Johnston County Public Schools holds 2nd annual student teacher signing day event

SMITHFIELD, NC - On Thursday, April 10, 2025, Johnston County Public Schools (JCPS) held its second annual teacher signing day. The event, mirrored after a sports contract signing ceremony, recognized and celebrated student teachers who have committed to continuing their professional careers as JCPS educators. 
 
This year, more than 60 guests attended the event, with 19 educators signing their one-year contracts in front of friends, family, teachers, and school district administrators. This was a significant increase from the six early signees at last year’s inaugural event. 
 
Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy, Chief of Human Resources Linda Edmundson, 2023-2024 First Year Teacher of the Year Donald Faggart, and 2024-2025 Assistant Principal of the Year Shannon Pawlak addressed the group, welcoming them to the JCPS family, and sharing words of encouragement and wisdom.   
 
There is a great deal of excitement surrounding the entire event as it not only marks the beginning of career opportunities for many of the signees but is also the first step in ensuring new and innovative ideas are entering our classrooms each and every year.  
 
“Early contract signing for student teachers signifies a proactive approach by JCPS to secure enthusiastic educators who are eager to enter the classroom. This commitment not only helps the district cultivate a strong teaching workforce, but also fosters a sense of stability and continuity for students,” Director of Recruitment and Retention Shelley Siegert said. ”By bringing fresh perspectives and innovative teaching methods, these new teachers will play a crucial role in inspiring and shaping the lives of their students.” 
 
The school district has increased its employee recruitment efforts in recent years. Efforts to attract and retain qualified educators have included many strategies, including employee compensation. Currently, JCPS ranks at the top in the area for beginning teacher salary rates, which has been a point of emphasis in recent years as district leadership understands the needs of these employees and values what they contribute to education. 
 
JCPS prides itself in providing the best educational opportunities possible to its more than 37,000 students, and signing the contracts of 19 new educators who are excited about working in the district is monumental. JCPS had a total of 36 early contracts partly signed prior to the event from the annual JCPS Job Fair, principal offered contracts, or other recruitment events. The 19 individuals who attended the events were able to have their contracts fully executed by Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy. 
 
Siegert is proud to have had the contracts signed and even more excited about what it means for the district. “We are thrilled these teachers have chosen to join our school district next school year!” 
 
Johnston County Public Schools strives to provide quality educational opportunities for its students and professional environments for its educators to excel and make a long-lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the community. For opportunities to join the JCPS team, please view job openings at https://johnstoncountync.schoolspring.com.