By Christian Coffman

NATCHEZ — The Concordia Parish School District has tapped Vidalia Upper Elementary Principal Darla Johnston to lead the district’s effort to retain and recruit teachers.

Johnston will be in charge of administering the district’s Teacher Incentive Fund (TIF) grant, worth approximately $390,000 through the 2017-18 school year. The federal grant is designed to create partnerships with colleges and universities to attract and retain teachers.

Other responsibilities for Johnston will include coordinating and implementing long-term programs, direct teachers’ skills and retain effective teachers.

Johnston’s position will be to act as a liaison with Louisiana universities and colleges to help encourage student teachers or student residences in schools.

Johnston said it is her ultimate goal to support new teachers and students within the parish.

“I would hope that I’d be able to encourage and train incoming teachers and give them the tools and support that they need to stay, and for the students to go to college and come back into our community and work for the academic success of our schools,” Johnston said.

Johnston said she would like for teachers outside the parish to know about the community and to call it their home.

Although she is excited about the job, Johnston said leaving her position at her current school would be difficult.

“It’s bittersweet because I love my school, and I’ll miss the faculty, staff and students here because they’re like family,” Johnston said. “But it’s a good opportunity for our parish, and it’ll be something that I’d enjoy doing.”

Interim superintendent Loretta Blankenstein said the principal was interviewed and chosen by a committee.

“As a principal she works with hiring teachers for her school and observes teachers, so she’s experienced in working with teachers,” Blankenstein said.

Becoming the lead of the TIF grant meant that Johnston needed a valid Louisiana Teacher’s Certificate with a master’s degree, along with five years of experience as a certified teacher.

Blankenstein said Johnston has been an educator for 30 years and an administrator for 15, bringing with her invaluable experience.

“I certainly think she’ll do a great job in helping Concordia Parish by helping and retaining teachers,” Blankenstein said.