Bibb County hosts orientation for more than 200 new teachers

Superintendent Dr. Dan A. Sims says incentives, such as higher starting salaries to attract more teachers, were a priority this budget season. Despite an increase for the 2024-2025 school year, starting salaries for Bibb County teachers still fall below the state average.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – More than 200 new Bibb County School District teachers attended orientation this week to learn the ins and outs of their new position.

Superintendent Dr. Dan A. Sims says incentives, such as higher starting salaries to attract more teachers, were a priority this budget season. Despite an increase for the 2024-2025 school year, starting salaries for Bibb County teachers still fall below the state average.

Marvin Gilbert is a lifelong Macon resident who will begin his teaching career in August. Gilbert made the switch from retail to teaching sixth and eighth grade interrelated special education at Soar Academy.

“Well I was already involved with Bibb County,” Gilbert said. “And Built for Bibb, I feel like I was already built for Bibb because I was a community coach. That’s like a volunteer service, and that was with Central High School.”

Gilbert says he hopes his previous experience with mentoring can make his transition effective and that he can help Bibb County students grow in areas of need.

“Right now reading is an emphasis, writing is an emphasis,” Gilbert said. “If I could implement what I know and what I’m instructed to do, I feel like we could help out a lot of kids.”