Missouri’s first state-funded “Grow Your Own” grants to help school districts identify and support future classroom teachers were awarded recently.
In all, 125 districts — including Summersville — will receive one-time grants of $10,000 each this year to create or strengthen existing programs designed to increase the recruitment of quality teachers.
Other south-central Missouri recipients were: Ava, Couch, Mountain Grove, Mountain View, Richards, Van Buren and Waynesville.
The grants were announced Monday, Oct. 23, by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
“Teachers remain the No. 1 school-level factor that can impact student achievement,” said Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven, in a news release. “We appreciate the General Assembly recognizing the urgent need to address the educator workforce shortage here in Missouri, and how important Grow Your Own programs are in solving this issue.”
The state board convened the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Blue Ribbon Commission to address a range of issues from teacher pay to school climate and culture.
The recommendations of the commission included supporting “Grow Your Own” programs.
The programs work to attract students as well as support staff — such as paraprofessionals and substitute teachers — to the teaching profession.
Many of the programs include partnerships between districts and colleges and universities to help individuals seek a teacher certification.
Funding can be used to support a range of activities including dual credit courses, student internships, scholarships for high school students, and helping non-teaching adults enter teaching programs.
The awards were the result of a competitive grant application process. The funds must be spent by May 31.