Sweetwater District R.I.S.E. Program Guarantees Employment in Teaching Profession


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From L-R: Dr. Joseph F. Johnson III, Dean of the SDSU College of Education, SUHSD Teacher, Ms. Lindsay Goulet, Dr. Karen Janney, Sweetwater District Superintendent & Dr. Lisa McCully, SDSU Manager of the Office of Student Services

Recently the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) and San Diego State University (SDSU) College of Education hosted a kick-off event for the Return, Inspire, and become a Sweetwater Educator (R.I.S.E.) Program. The event was held on April 20th in the Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center on the SDSU Campus. The Alumni Center was packed with Compact Scholars, community partners and SUHSD faculty and staff all in attendance to learn more about the details of this exciting new program.

Through the R.I.S.E. Program, current SDSU Compact Scholars are guaranteed employment opportunities in the Sweetwater District.

“This is an incredible opportunity to not only make a difference in the lives of students and their families, but jumpstart your career right out of college,” explained Dr. Karen Janney, Sweetwater District Superintendent.

Students who successfully complete all program requirements are guaranteed employment with the Sweetwater District in the critical teaching shortage area (math, science, or special education) in which the teaching credential was earned.

“I’ve made it a mission in life to lift up others so they can accomplish what I was so fortunate of accomplishing,” explained Dr. Joseph Johnson, College of Education Dean. “You have the capability to do the same thing.”

This exciting opportunity stems from the collaborative efforts of Dr. Karen Janney, SUHSD Superintendent and Dr. Joseph F. Johnson III, Dean of the SDSU College of Education. Drs. Janney and Johnson believe that the R.I.S.E. program is not only beneficial to Compact Scholars who will receive employment guarantees, but also to the entire Sweetwater community that will be inspired and educated by SDSU alumni that return to teach in the district.

SDSU student Maria Moy says without a doubt she plans on participating in the program. “Opportunities like this don’t come around often,” she said. “I’m definitely going to sign-up and give back to the community that helped me get to where I am today.”

“You all reflect the Sweetwater community and this is a great opportunity to teach, lead and inspire the next generation,” said Dr. Janney.