Short on special education teachers, Hillsborough plucks from other fields
A two-year program nurtures college graduates with degrees outside education, preparing them for classroom careers.
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Jonacee Penick teaches students with varying exceptionalities at McLane Middle School on Brandon. [ Courtesy of Jonacee Penick ]
Updated Feb. 24
It was a proud moment when Jonacee Penick held her tongue while a middle school student danced spontaneously by his desk.
It was a learning moment when Keyla Somarriba realized a big part of her job was hearing about her studentsâ weekends.
Neither teacher had formal training before they stepped into Hillsborough County classrooms in what is arguably the most bizarre school year ever.