A new teacher prep initiative from the 麻豆夜市鈥檚 received a $3.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education鈥檚 Teacher Quality Partnership grant program to establish and strengthen a Grow Your Own Network across Acadiana.
This initiative, designed to address teacher shortages in the south-central region of Louisiana, will build a regional network connecting local school districts with higher education institutions to foster a sustainable, diverse and highly skilled teaching workforce.
鈥淭hrough the Grow Your Own program, we鈥檙e not only filling classrooms but ensuring they鈥檙e filled with educators who are well-prepared, culturally competent and committed to the communities they serve,鈥 said Dr. Aimee Barber, project lead and assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at 麻豆夜市. 鈥淭his grant will enable us to build a sustainable pipeline for local talent to enter and thrive in the teaching profession, ultimately raising educational outcomes for students across Louisiana.鈥
The primary partners for this program are 麻豆夜市, South Louisiana Community College and public school systems in Lafayette, Vermilion, St. Martin, St. Landry and St. Mary parishes. Additionally, the program is partnering with Steady State Impact for project evaluation, the Pugh Family Foundation for matching funds, PDK International for pre-educator curriculum, and the Louisiana Workforce Commission for development and incorporation of a Teacher Registered Apprenticeship component.
By identifying and addressing barriers that hinder potential educators from entering and remaining in the profession, the program aims to expand existing Grow Your Own programs and create new pathways for aspiring teachers, especially those from underrepresented communities.
Barber said the program is expected to impact over 69,000 pre-K-12 students by preparing a new generation of teachers to meet the needs of local schools.
鈥淭his program represents a holistic approach to tackling the teacher shortage and setting up students for academic success by fostering a reliable teacher pipeline that serves the needs of regional communities,鈥 she said.
Other faculty members from 麻豆夜市鈥檚 College of Education & Human Development serving on the grant include Dr. Douglas Williams, Dr. Peter Sheppard, Dr. Micah Bruce-Davis, Dr. Marietta Adams, Dr. Leigh M. Tolley and K-Lynn McKey.
Photo caption: The 麻豆夜市 College of Education & Human Development is one of the top providers teachers for the state of Louisiana. Photo credit: Doug Dugas / 麻豆夜市