$9 Million Appropriation for West Michigan Teacher Collaborative
Expands Opportunities for Educators and New Teachers
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Kent ISD along with Ottawa Area ISD and Muskegon Area ISD have applications open now to pathways for existing and aspiring educators to obtain advanced credentials or earn a teaching certificate tuition free through West Michigan Teacher Collaborative (WMTC). This initiative received a $9 million appropriation in the state budget, an investment that allows continued development of the program and deepened support for teachers across West Michigan.
“West Michigan Teacher Collaborative is helping to address the critically important need for more teachers in our community’s classrooms,” said Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids). “As a former public school employee, I know firsthand that well-trained, passionate educators – who also reflect the rich diversity of the students they serve –are foundational for a healthy tomorrow. With the state’s $9 million investment in WMTC’s teacher preparation programs, we are making the rewarding career of teaching more attainable for West Michigan’s diverse and talented workforce.”
A second cohort to recruit, train and retain the next generation of excellent teachers in West Michigan is being recruited now. The first cohort of 144 Residents, Pre-Residents and those seeking Advanced Degrees and Endorsements is entering its second year of the program, in partnership with Grand Valley State University. All tuition, fees and supplies are covered for participants. Residents are eligible for stipends of up to $20,000.
“West Michigan Teacher Collaborative is breaking down barriers to becoming a teacher while maintaining the high standards needed to train the top-quality teachers our students deserve. This program provides life-changing opportunities for those passionate about education, tackles the teacher shortage, and ensures diversity in our teaching force,” said Holland High School Principal Andrea Mehall.
West Michigan Teacher Collaborative offers three programs providing options for:
- people without a bachelor's degree who would like to earn one and become a teacher
- people with a bachelor's degree who are looking to switch to a teaching career
- current educators seeking additional credentials through advanced degrees
“With the first cohort of the WMTC well on their way toward becoming a teacher, the Collaborative has already demonstrated its profound impact of preparing future teachers by equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to succeed and inspire the next generation,” said Gerald Hopkins, Superintendent of Kenowa Hills.
West Michigan Teacher Collaborative’s first cohort is engaged in a Summer Institute this week at Grand Valley State University’s downtown Grand Rapids campus. Media is invited to meet members and WMTC leadership on the following days and times by scheduling in advance:
- Wednesday, July 31, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Richard M. DeVos Center
- Thursday, August 1, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. at L.V. Eberhard Center
"One of the greatest challenges in education is the shortage of teachers. Every student deserves to be taught by a qualified and compassionate educator. West Michigan Teacher Collaborative is making significant strides in creating local opportunities for people to enter the teaching profession. Grand Rapids Public Schools is proud to partner with the West Michigan Teacher Collaborative by employing members of the first cohort in various positions as they move through the program to prepare to enter the classroom and foster the growth of our scholars," said Dr. Leadriane Roby, Grand Rapids Public Schools Superintendent.
West Michigan Teacher Collaborative is made possible through a partnership with Grand Valley State University and in part through funding from a Grow Your Own Program Grant from the Michigan Department of Education and a $9 million appropriation in the state budget. Applications for all West Michigan Teacher Collaborative programs are open now through September 9. To learn more and apply, visit teachwestmichigan.org
Please direct media inquiries to:
- Joy Walczak, Kent ISD Communications Specialist, joywalczak@kentisd.org or 906.632.6290.
- Ben Kalb, Muskegon Area ISD Director of Communications, bkalb@muskegonisd.org or 231.767.7263 or 720.899.1529
- Michelle Ready, Ottawa Area ISD Associate Superintendent of Communications and Integrated Marketing, mready@oaisd.org or 616.738.8940 x 4093
About Kent ISD
Kent ISD is a regional educational service agency devoted to achievement for all students. We provide instructional and administrative services to more than 300 schools, 20 public districts, three non-public districts, and many public school academies and non-public schools within our boundaries. We serve the broader community by helping our schools prepare nearly 102,000 students for school and life success.
The Muskegon Area Intermediate School District (MAISD) is an educational service agency dedicated to fostering the growth and enrichment of the entire Muskegon community. Through a range of programs, from early childhood education to career technical training, they touch lives across various age groups. MAISD emphasizes the importance of quality education, collaboration with local school districts, and preparing students for a bright future.
About Ottawa Area ISD
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District works collaboratively with schools and communities to meet the educational needs of students of all ages in the Ottawa area. By pooling resources and providing services regionally, Ottawa Area ISD provides important programs and services to local K‐12 school districts, charter, parochial and private schools and adults in the most cost‐effective ways possible.
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