Dalton State College and Dade County Schools have formalized a new partnership designed to cultivate the next generation of educators while supporting long-term workforce development in Northwest Georgia.
Through this collaboration, Dalton State education majors from Dade County will be guaranteed student teaching placements within the Dade County School System. Currently, there are 58 students from Dade County enrolled at Dalton State.
“Our strategic partnership with Dalton State College is a game-changer for Dade County Schools,” said Josh Ingle, Superintendent of Dade County Schools. “By welcoming our own graduates back as student teachers, we are not only investing in their future, but also strengthening the pipeline of dedicated educators who understand and care deeply about this amazing community.”
In addition, all qualified graduates of Dalton State’s School of Education from Dade County will be offered an interview with the district—creating a direct and supportive bridge from college to career.
“By creating a direct path from classroom learning to real-world teaching experience, we’re helping our students succeed, and we’re contributing to the long-term strength of the local education workforce and the broader regional economy,” said John Fuchko, president of Dalton State College.
Dalton State offers career services to students and alumni through the college’s Office of Career and Professional Development, which provides a variety of support, including resume-building and interview preparation assistance.
The agreement also includes a commitment by Dade County Schools to offer competitive salaries and benefits to new hires. These incentives, combined with the streamlined hiring process, aim to enhance workforce stability and educational continuity across the district.
This marks the fourth partnership Dalton State has established with area school systems in 2025. Previous agreements were signed with Murray County Schools, Catoosa County Public Schools, and Whitfield County Schools earlier this year, all part of a broader strategy to strengthen the region’s educator pipeline.
To learn more about the Dalton State College School of Education, visit www.daltonstate.edu. For more information about Dade County Schools, visit www.dadecountyschools.org.
