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School Districts Can Help Grow Own Staff with $175M in Funding

Grants from MDE to Result in More Certified Teachers in State

LANSING – More than 160 Michigan school districts are getting help growing their own staff to address teacher shortages with $175 million in funding, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) announced.

Through the Grow Your Own initiative, districts receive funds to provide opportunities for supporting existing school employees seeking initial certification or additional endorsements, in response to each district’s unique local needs for staffing.  

“Children benefit from Grow Your Own programs that help develop support staff members already working with students in schools,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “These staff members in turn benefit from their work experiences with students as they develop into teachers.”

Grow Your Own staff programs help Michigan achieve Goal 7 of the Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, to increase the numbers of certified teachers in areas of shortage.

A complete list of all 162 Grow Your Own grantees, with award amounts, can be viewed at 27b Award Listings.

Each awarded district administers its own Grow Your Own program in partnership with one or more state-approved educator preparation providers such as universities and colleges, or alternative route providers. Alternative route providers are non-traditional preparation programs designed for educators who hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and are seeking to complete an expedited teacher preparation program while employed as a teacher under an interim teaching certificate.

“Over time, Grow Your Own programs will reduce teacher shortages and strengthen the profession with members of local school districts and communities who have strong relationships with students,” said Kelli Brozanski, interim director of MDE’s Office of Educator Excellence. “These newly developed and certified teachers will have a sizable impact on students and schools, particularly in schools that have struggled most substantially with teacher shortages.”

School districts wanting to learn more about the Future Proud Michigan Educator Grow Your Own School Staff grants can see the Grow Your Own School Staff Grant webpage or email MDE-EdWorkforceGrants@Michigan.gov.

The state’s efforts to address the teacher shortage and encourage more people to pursue a teaching career in Michigan include, but are not limited to, scholarships to future educators; stipends for student teachers; student loan repayments; tuition reimbursement for special education teachers; Future Proud Michigan Educator EXPLORE grants; Grow Your Own programs; Talent Together; expedited reciprocity for teachers and counselors certified in other states; and a rural credentialing hub.

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