Kent ISD — A $200,000 grant through the Make MI Home initiative will help fund a pilot program aimed at addressing the teacher shortage in West Michigan.
KConnect, in partnership with West Michigan Teacher Collaborative and Grand Valley State University will use the grant for the Teach Here program, which is designed to improve the teacher pipeline by increasing the number of future educators and expanding high-quality, culturally responsive instruction for all students.
The pilot project will remove key barriers for future educators in WMTC by providing support, including housing or relocation assistance, help navigating mental and other health care services, assistance finding childcare and job placement. That support will also be available to certified teachers in critical-need areas who choose to relocate to West Michigan.
“Whether someone is a relocating certified teacher or an aspiring educator just starting their journey, this initiative ensures they’re welcomed into a community ready to invest in their long-term success,” said Mary Kay Murphy, executive director of the collaborative.
WMTC currently is accepting applications for those with a bachelor’s degree looking to become a teacher and for current teachers who want to work toward advanced degrees.
Read more from Kent ISD:
• This parapro went back to school to be a teacher at 40
• Future teacher follows her dream to help students do the same
