Laker Schools Receive Part of $175M in Funding to Tackle Teacher Shortages

Michigan’s $175 million “Grow Your Own” initiative supports over 160 school districts in addressing the teacher shortage by funding the certification of existing staff. This program allows current employees to gain teaching credentials through partnerships, benefiting students and enhancing staffing in critical areas, particularly in rural and special education sectors.

Over 160 school districts across Michigan will benefit from grants aimed at addressing the state’s teacher shortage crisis by supporting the certification of existing staff.

State Initiative Aims to Boost Teacher Numbers and Certification Efforts

LANSING, MI – In a bid to address the growing teacher shortage in Michigan, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has allocated $175 million in funding to over 160 school districts through its Grow Your Own initiative. The program, designed to help existing school employees gain certification or additional endorsements, aims to support districts struggling with staffing shortages by developing and certifying current employees.

The grants provide financial support for staff members seeking initial certification or further qualifications through partnerships with state-approved educator preparation providers. These grants come at a crucial time as schools face difficulties in finding certified teachers, especially in areas like special education and rural communities.

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

Laker Schools Among Grant Recipients in Michigan’s Thumb Area

The Benzie County Record Patroit reported that one of the districts receiving funds is Elkton-Pigeon-Bay Port Laker Schools in the Thumb area, which was awarded $52,271 as part of the initiative. According to Superintendent Jill VerBug, the grant will help a staff member complete her teaching degree, furthering the district’s efforts to alleviate the teacher shortage.

“The Grow Your Own grant is helping Laker School District address the shortage of certified teachers,” VerBug explained. “This particular grant was utilized by a former ISD employee, now working in our district, by providing funding to help her complete her teaching degree.”

Other Districts Recieving grants in Michigan’s Thumb

Laker Schools was one of several districts in Michigan’s Thumb region to receive such funding, a recognition of the critical need for certified teachers in rural areas. Others recieving funds are:

Sanilac ISD $402,550
Sandusky Community School District $95,962
North Huron School District $76,491
Marlette Community Schools $490,700
Huron ISD $436,713
Clio Area School District $9,552
Carsonville-Port Sanilac School District $488,274
Brown City Community Schools $108,150

Strengthening the Future of Michigan’s Education Workforce

The Grow Your Own program is part of a broader effort to address the teacher shortage crisis. It aligns with Goal 7 of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, which seeks to increase the number of certified teachers in shortage areas. Kelli Brozanski, interim director of MDE’s Office of Educator Excellence, highlighted the program’s significance, noting that it “will reduce teacher shortages and strengthen the profession with members of local school districts and communities who have strong relationships with students.”

Each participating school district will administer its own Grow Your Own program, partnering with educator preparation providers such as universities and alternative route programs, which allow non-traditional candidates to gain teaching certification while working under interim teaching certificates.

In addition to Grow Your Own, Michigan’s strategy to address teacher shortages includes scholarships for future educators, student loan repayment, and expedited reciprocity for out-of-state teachers. These efforts, combined with the Grow Your Own initiative, are aimed at building a more resilient and robust education workforce in the state.

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