KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A new partnership between Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo Public Schools, and Benton Harbor Area Schools will develop a new pipeline to fill what’s described as a dire need for quality K-12 instructors.
A $4.9 million U.S. Department of Education grant will spearhead the Urban Teacher Residency Program. The product of nearly two years of planning, WMU officials say the program will pay for candidates within the school districts, like paraprofessionals, bus drivers, food service staff, and custodians, to earn their teacher certification while they work. Dr. Regena Fails Nelson, the chair of WMU’s Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Studies, says the program will overcome some of the barriers that impede qualified candidates from pursuing a teaching career.
Nelson says boosting access to certification is more important than ever with the pandemic accelerating teacher retirements in many areas and leading to deep budget cuts as districts work to stay financially afloat.
The program will use a teacher residency model that includes a yearlong clinical experience with the required coursework for certification. It’s scheduled to begin in July 2021.
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