(LANSING) - The Michigan Department of Education has awarded nearly $12.1 million to 121 districts to provide support to new teachers, school administrators, and school counselors.
The funding is for mentoring new educators and induction programming, which is based on a professional development plan and provides support in classroom management and instructional delivery.
Southwest Michigan school districts that are receiving funds include Colon Schools, Bronson Community Schools; Decatur Public Schools, Battle Creek Public Schools, and Edwardsburg Public Schools.
Interim State Superintendent Dr. Sue C. Carnell says Michigan has made great progress in addressing its teacher shortage. She says as new educators enter the profession the MDE must make sure they have the support they need to help students learn. Mentoring and induction programs help to improve student achievement and teacher retention.
Enrollment in state teacher preparation programs offered by universities, colleges, or alternative route teacher certification providers increased by 87% from the 2016-17 academic year to 2023-24, with 9,512 students in 2016-17 and 17,780 in 2023-24. That rebound came after enrollment in teacher preparation programs had decreased by 59% from 2011-12 to 2016-17, with 23,203 students in 2011-12 and 9,512 in 2016-17.
Local education agencies, both traditional public school districts and public school academies, and intermediate school districts may use these funds for stipends and training for mentors of teachers, school counselors, and administrators; books, materials, and other professional learning resources to support onboarding; and staffing costs to cover time spent dedicated to mentoring and onboarding.