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MDE to Work with Research Organization to Evaluate Educator Mentoring and Induction Programs in Michigan
October 07, 2024
LANSING – The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has awarded the American Institutes for Research (AIR) a competitive first-time grant to evaluate mentoring and induction programs as part of the state’s efforts to address the need for certified teachers in areas of shortage and to ensure children have highly qualified educators.
AIR was awarded $500,000 to gather and analyze data and to evaluate educator mentoring and induction programs in Michigan. AIR also will analyze the effect of new resources and district grant funding once implemented and make recommendations for improving mentoring and induction programs to ensure new teachers, administrators, and school counselors are receiving needed support.
“Providing the necessary mentoring and induction supports to our newer teachers, counselors, and administrators is a critical part of strengthening efficacy in our young professionals, improving retention rates, and building up our educator workforce in Michigan,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “We look forward to working with AIR and reviewing recommendations for strengthening these programs statewide, for the good of our children.”
AIR was selected for its data collection methods, knowledge and experience with mentoring and induction programs, and proven success with research and evaluation.
This grant is from Section 27h, subsection 6, of the School Aid budget for fiscal year 2023-24. For more information about this grant and other mentoring and induction-related grants, visit the Mentoring and Induction Grants webpage.
Strong mentoring and induction practices increase teacher retention and support Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan Goal 7, to increase the number of certified teachers in areas of shortage.
The state’s efforts to address the teacher shortage and encourage more people to pursue a teaching career in Michigan include the MI Fellowship program that provides 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 that enable schools to support existing staff in receiving initial certification or additional endorsements, expedited reciprocity to help out-of-state teachers and counselors gain Michigan certification and pursue Michigan education careers, Talent Together apprenticeship programs, and a rural credentialing hub.
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