Like districts across the country, the pandemic has affected Irving ISD, specifically with teacher shortages on campus. You may have driven by the Administration Building recently and noticed the scarce parking lot. That’s due to employees like Courtney Putman who have stepped up to support our staff and students on campus during this time.
Putman, Irving ISD Secondary Science Coordinator, has filled in for teachers since last school year and continues to do so today. During this time period she has served as a guest educator at Good Elementary, John Haley Elementary, MacArthur High and Irving High schools.
“Once we learned that more support was needed on campus, employees from all levels were happy to volunteer and do what was best for the kids,” says Putman.
More than 100 district employees from various departments have answered the call to serve including:
- Professional Learning
- Bilingual, ESL and Language Services
- Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)
- Student Champions
- Special Education
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Instructional Coaches
- Career and Technical Education (CTE)
- Guidance and Counseling
- Learning Resources
For these employees, this is a chance to reconnect with their roots since many, like Putman, began their educational journey in the classroom.
“I love going to campuses and being with students,” she says.
Before working at the administration building, Putman was a science teacher at Sam Houston Middle School. While substituting at MacArthur High, she was given the opportunity to also reconnect with many of her former students.
“It was great to see them so grown up and doing well,” says Putman.
Through challenging times, the employees of Irving ISD have proven time and again that they are willing to always rise to the occasion, and we thank them for their service to our community and students.
