Finding purpose through Talent Together and Concordia University Ann Arbor

Finding purpose through Talent Together and Concordia University Ann Arbor For Ashley Rickert, finding her true calling was a journey of faith, perseverance, and purpose. By Adam Paape, Assistant Dean, School of Education For nearly ten years, Ashley Rickert devoted her life to raising her three children as a stay-at-home mom. During that time, she became a familiar face in her hometown, volunteering extensively to support the local schools and youth programs. From coaching K-8 cheerleading to serving on the board for Manchester Youth Wrestling and the co-op preschool, Ashley was always involved in helping children grow and succeed. But it wasn’t until she stepped into the role of a paraprofessional at Manchester Community Schools that she discovered her true calling. “I fell in love with the students and the educators’ positive impact on them,” Ashley reflects. “It became clear that I wanted to provide the same kind of support to students that I had witnessed in the Manchester schools.” At 35 years old, Ashley made the decision to return to school to pursue her dream of becoming an educator. With the support of Talent Together and Concordia University Ann Arbor’s fully online teacher certification program, she is now on track to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, focusing on both Lower and Upper Elementary. A Leap of Faith: Discovering Talent Together Taking the first step back into higher education wasn’t easy. As a full-time mom and working paraprofessional, Ashley had to consider both time and financial barriers. But then, she heard about Talent Together, a Michigan-based organization that provides tuition assistance and strong support for future educators. “I first heard about Talent Together from another candidate who spoke highly of the program’s supportiveness,” Ashley shares. “I am so grateful I took the time to investigate it further. Everyone who answered emails and phone calls was so helpful, and I knew that I wanted to be part of it.” Through Talent Together’s financial assistance, Ashley has been able to continue working while earning her degree—without the burden of student loan debt. “Thanks to the financial support and programs provided by Talent Together, I can continue working at my job while fully embracing my role as a full-time parent. Our family no longer has to stress about the financial burdens of pursuing an education.” The Concordia Difference: A Supportive and Faith-Filled Community Choosing an entirely online program was initially intimidating for Ashley. “I was hesitant to enroll in an entirely online program as I tend to learn better through hands-on experiences,” she admits. But any concerns she had quickly faded after experiencing the dedication of Concordia University Ann Arbor’s faculty. “I have thoroughly enjoyed every course and professor at Concordia University so far,” she says. “The professors are incredibly supportive and always available to help. The time and effort they have dedicated to my education have been remarkable. I feel connected to each of my professors, and it’s clear that they genuinely care about me as an individual.” Ashley has excelled academically, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and earning a spot on the Dean’s List—a testament to her hard work and commitment. “Throughout my journey, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, earning a spot on the Dean’s List, which reflects my commitment to my education and future as an educator.” When asked to highlight a specific professor, Ashley simply couldn’t pick just one. “Every professor I’ve had has been equally kind and supportive. With each course, they make me feel as though we’ve known each other for a long time.” Faith and Teaching: Embracing Each Child’s Unique Story Beyond the academic and professional preparation, Ashley has found deep personal and spiritual growth at Concordia University Ann Arbor. “At 35, I was hesitant to return to school, but each professor has been a blessing along the way,” she says. “I’m grateful to have found this university, where faith and learning are seamlessly integrated.” Her time at Concordia has reinforced her belief that every child is uniquely created by God and has a special purpose. “Concordia University has deepened my understanding that each child is a gift and taught me to embrace their unique abilities and strengths. We are all created by God, and He has a story for each of us. As educators, we must recognize the gifts He has given each child and help them discover their voice and purpose.” Looking Ahead: A Future of Impact Ashley’s passion for teaching extends beyond academics—she envisions a classroom that is a safe, welcoming space where students can thrive both emotionally and intellectually. “With the guidance and encouragement of Talent Together, Concordia University, and my mentors, I am now on track to earn my degree in Elementary Education,” she says. “My passion lies in creating a classroom that serves as a safe space for all students where their academic and emotional growth can thrive.” Her advice for others considering the same path? “Just do it.” Ashley’s journey is one of faith, perseverance, and purpose—and thanks to Talent Together and Concordia University Ann Arbor, she is well on her way to making a lasting impact in the lives of students. Read Original Article Here

Dr. Sarena M. Shivers Appointed as Executive Director of Talent Together, the Nation’s Largest “Grow your Own” Program

Dr. Sarena M. Shivers Appointed as Executive Director of Talent Together the Nation’s Largest “Grow Your Own” Program Compassionate leader brings decades of experience to further strengthen Michigan’s teacher talent pipeline Michigan, Nov. 21, 2024 – Talent Together, the nation’s largest “grow your own” program, focusedon strengthening Michigan’s teacher talent pipeline, welcomes its first executive director, Dr. Sarena M. Shivers. In this role, Dr. Shivers brings a new era of leadership to advance TalentTogether’s mission of removing barriers and providing support for aspiring teachers. Since itsinception in December 2022, Talent Together has brought over one thousand candidates intoMichigan’s teacher pipeline.   With over three decades of experience in education – including over 20 years as an administrator –Dr. Shivers has a profound background of serving children, families and educators. Her career hasspanned roles as a teacher, principal, program director, assistant superintendent andsuperintendent. In 2018, Dr. Shivers was recognized as a nominee for Michigan’s Superintendent ofthe Year. Most recently, she served as the Deputy Executive Director of Professional learning for theMichigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators (MASA), where she supported andfostered professional growth for education leaders statewide.   “The teacher crisis is the biggest issue facing education and Talent Together has been at theforefront of providing solutions for districts and communities across the state,” stated Dr. Shivers.“This initiative is leading the way in teacher preparation programs and plays a vital role inaddressing the teacher shortage in Michigan. I look forward to working with the talented team anddedicated board to continue turning future educators’ dreams into reality so that students haveaccess to high-quality teachers in every classroom and school.”   In addition to her storied career as a school leader, Dr. Shivers has also earned national recognition,including serving a four-year term on the Board of Directors for the Association for Supervision andCurriculum Development (ASDC). Known for her compassionate, adaptive, and resilient approach,she is uniquely positioned to lead Talent Together into its next chapter of impact and growth.“The Board is thrilled to welcome Dr. Shivers to the team,” said Dr. Naomi Norman, Talent TogetherBoard President and Washtenaw ISD Superintendent. “As a school, district, and organizationalleader with decades of experience, we are confident she will have a tremendous impact on TalentTogether and the schools, teacher candidates, and students we serve.”   As the program welcomes Dr. Shivers, Talent Together reaffirms its mission to provide equitableaccess and opportunity to the teaching profession so that, ultimately, children across the statelearn from a well-prepared and more diverse teaching workforce.   “Dr. Shivers brings expertise and lifelong commitment to innovation to Talent Together,” said BeccaTisdale, current interim executive director of Talent Together and Partner & VP of Programs of theMichigan Educator Workforce Initiative (MEWI), Talent Together’s founding non-profit partner. “I’mexcited to turn the helm over to Dr. Shivers during this important time and look forward to seeingwhat new heights she will lead us to in bringing inspirational leaders into classrooms throughoutMichigan.”   For more information about the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative and the programs it’ssupporting, visit https://www.miedworkforce.org/. Download the Press Release

‘Talent Together’ program seeks more funds as teacher applications rise

‘Talent Together’ Program Seeks More Funds as Teacher Applications Rise Talent Together saw thousands of applications By Courtney Bennett FLINT, Mich. – A program that was started to address the teacher shortage in Michigan has grown and saw thousands apply in the latest round of applications. It’s called Talent Together Grow Your Own Program and millions of dollars have gone in to support this, but will this program continue? “We are asking the legislature for additional funds so that we can accept more people because clearly, we have 2700 people who are banging down the door to say we want to become teachers. We’d like to accept as many of them as possible,” says Jack Elsey, he’s the founder of the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative. “What Talent Together does is allow folks to keep their job in a school and even get their bachelor’s degree in some cases, plus their certification, all for free,” says Elsey. This was started to address Michigan’s teacher shortage. Cohort one had 950 people who are becoming teachers. Out of the 2500 that applied in cohort two they expect to accept 600. “I think we would all agree that helping 1000s More Michiganders become teachers is is an important and critical solution to making sure that we don’t have a teacher shortage in the future,” says Elsey. Elsey says they see how this program is already helping schools. He says they will have 150 people who will graduate in the spring and start as classroom teachers in the fall. Vanessa Scruggs is finishing her first year in the Talent Together Grow You Own. Her children are in college right now and without this program she says it wouldn’t be possible for her to be a teacher. “I kept putting it off, I kept putting it off. I kept putting it off and I’m thinking, Okay, I’m getting too old for this. I gotta do something,” says Scruggs. Scruggs says she has a degree in criminal justice but fell in love with being in a school. “I wanted to do more for our kids that don’t have that support. And this is the way for me to do that,” she says. Scruggs is working at a school while taking classes at Northern Michigan. Through Talent Together, it’s all virtual, you can live anywhere in the state and take these classes. Scruggs says it works well but can also be a challenge. “I’ve been out of college for 36 years. And this experience is totally new to me. I’m old school. I’m a grandmother, you know, and I’m used to the face-to-face and standing outside the professor’s door and saying, Hey, I don’t understand that I didn’t understand it. And you don’t have that when you’re virtual,” says Scruggs. They are hopeful they can continue this program given the success but again they are asking for help to fund this through the state legislature budget.     Read Original Article Here

State program aims to get more teachers by paying for a degree or certification

State program aims to get more teachers by paying for a degree or certification Experts say the teacher shortage in Michigan is growing By Peter Maxwell The State of Michigan is facing a severe shortage of teachers, leaving many schools and districts struggling to fill open positions. Teacher applications are coming in at about half of what they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. To try and stop the shortage, the Michigan Intermediate School Districts (ISDs), through grants, started the Michigan Talent Together program. It gives aspiring teachers a tuition-free degree and lets them work in schools while completing their coursework. Tyra Gains is a fifth-grade teacher at University Prep Art and Design Elementary School in Detroit. She’s also attending Northern Michigan University for her elementary certification. She heard about the talent program through a friend and applied. “It’s taken off ever since. I have been going to classes and enjoying my time in the program,” Gains said. Every intermediate school district in the state is now part of the program. It’s the newest solution to a critical shortage of teachers in the state at all levels of education. Many teachers have retired or found new careers. “No job is easy, no matter what you do. But if you love what you do, it won’t make you be like, ‘Oh, I don’t want to go there,’” Gains said. Over the last decade, the state experienced a 66% drop in enrollment in education preparation programs, which is the second largest in the country. One of the reasons is cost. The program seems to be making a difference. There are already hundreds of future teachers in the pipeline. Last year, the program saw 1,500 applicants with over 900 receiving degrees or their teaching certification. Ken Gutman, the deputy superintendent of Oakland County Schools, said the program is a blessing for his district. He said it helps remove the financial barriers that would prevent people from getting their degree or certification. “We certainly know there are people out there that want to be educators,” he said.   Read Original Article Here

Michigan responds to teacher shortage with Talent Together initiative

Michigan responds to teacher shortage with Talent Together initiative Michigan responds to teacher shortage with Talent Together initiative By Stephen DeLadurantaye MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) – The Michigan State Legislature is tackling the teacher shortage. The legislature allocated $66.4 million to the Talent Together initiative— a partnership between 48 intermediate school districts spanning 63 counties from the U.P. to southeast Michigan. The money will go directly to aspiring teachers to assist with any financial barriers they face as they become an educator. That could be anything from tuition assistance to a flat salary. Experts say the teacher shortage in Michigan is growing. “We’re losing more teachers than we are students on an annual basis,” said Gregory Nyen, MARESA superintendent. “That’s creating a structural deficit in educators. This program is designed to begin to address the shortage of educators.” If you’re an aspiring educator and would like to sign up for the program, click here. Read Original Article Here

Michigan education budget contains some smaller-ticket items that could have big impact

Michigan education budget contains some smaller-ticket items that could have big impact The budget provides money to support teacher recruitment, Detroit initiatives, community advocacy, rural schools, and transportation. By Hannah Dellinger The most notable winners in Michigan’s $21.5 billion budget for K-12 schools will be the state’s neediest students, English language learners, children in high-poverty schools, and special education students. But with smaller amounts, the budget also delivers money to benefit teachers, Detroit schools and other local districts, campus infrastructure, community-based advocacy efforts, regional education nonprofits, and rural districts. Those less-noticed budget items could have a significant impact on education across the state. Here’s a closer look at the smaller-ticket budget items that are expected to have huge payoffs. Michigan education budget contains some smaller-ticket items that could have big impact While a shortage of teaching applicants is a national issue, Greg Nyen, superintendent of the Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Services Agency in the Upper Peninsula, said the scarcity of educators is acute in Michigan. “About 10 years ago, 23,000 teachers or potential teachers were in educational preparatory programs across the state,” he said. “Last year, there were under 15,000. Only about 20% end up completing their certification.” As part of an effort to address the shortage, a number of districts will receive a total of $76.4 million to support Talent Together, a partnership among 48 school systems and nine universities that widens pathways for aspiring teachers. “So often, when new teachers start, they don’t feel successful,” said Jack Elsey, founder of the nonprofit Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative. “Over half quit in the first year.” The new collaborative aims to tackle barriers for prospective teachers, Elsey said, including paying for their training, offering paid apprenticeships in the classroom, and mentoring them while they are in those programs. Districts will also be granted a total of $50 million to expand support for new teachers, school counselors, and administrators, including mentor stipends and professional development. And the budget allocates $63.8 million to districts to increase pay for educators. “Elevating salaries and making this career an attractive one once again makes the financial burden lighter and makes it feel like it’s worth the effort,” said Elsey. Financial awards for teachers who have national board certification will be funded with $4 million. Eligible teachers in districts that apply for the funds will receive $4,000 and an additional $6,000 if they work in Title I schools, which have large concentrations of students from low-income households. Paula Herbart, president of the Michigan Education Association teachers union, called the funding a proactive step in recruiting and retaining quality educators. “It’s critical that we keep great educators on the job and attract talented people into this noble profession, and this budget agreement provides our schools with much-needed resources to help accomplish these goals,” she said in a statement. Detroit community initiatives get support The budget provides $6 million for a local or intermediate district to use on services from Get On And Learn, or GOAL Line, a program that transports students from northwest Detroit schools to free after-school programs. The nonprofit began in 2018 as an effort to get students to school and decrease absenteeism. But after listening to parent feedback, the group ended morning transportation and focused solely on after-school bus rides. In November, the organization’s waitlist was bigger than its enrollment due to financial constraints. The budget will give $3 million to local districts to distribute to Detroit Parent Network, a nonprofit that works to engage parents in their kids’ education. Those dollars will help cover the cost of training for parents, health resources, support groups, civic engagement programs, and advocacy to families. The nonprofit also offers a literacy program in English and Spanish as well as workforce development. The Legislature voted to give $2 million to the nonprofit group Brilliant Detroit for neighborhood-based tutoring and noninstructional services for children ages 3 to 12. The group transforms underused housing into neighborhood centers focused on early childhood development and kindergarten readiness. Novi, Hamtramck and other district initiatives win funding Novi Community School District will receive $1 million to support a wellness center that will offer onsite mental health support for students outside the regular school day, a medical clinic that will provide basic care to students with and without insurance, and a building wing for staff to destress and exercise. The center will also use the funds to offer onsite, after-school tutoring for students who can’t afford private instruction and will create a hub for families to access other health resources. The budget allocates $2 million to Hamtramck Public Schools to hire accelerated-learning coaches for all eight of its schools. The coaches will lead targeted tutoring efforts in the district; work with teachers to model lesson plans and co-teach; and identify gaps in instruction. The money will also provide professional development for the coaches on data analysis, among other areas. The budget provides $100,000 to a district to support the Student Advocacy Center of Michigan’s statewide helpline for families in “educational crisis.” Dearborn City School District will receive $250,000 to support a cybersecurity certificate program. Construction projects get a boost The Detroit Public Schools Community District will get $6.5 million for essential structural improvements and renovations for Coleman A. Young Elementary and another $5 million for needed updates to its Foreign Language Immersion and Cultural Studies School building. Beecher Community School District near Flint will receive $2.5 million to fund the construction of a new high school to match money already raised through donations. Waverly Community Schools in Lansing is set to get $3 million to build a new high school auditorium. The budget provides $500,000 to Eastpointe Community Schools to build a new swimming pool. Programs for rural and ‘isolated’ districts benefit The budget provides $11.6 million in special weighted funding for instructional costs in rural and isolated districts. A new rural-educator credentialing hub pilot program will get $15 million in startup funding. The program will provide free support to educators for credentialing and course fees.

Michigan teacher shortage prompts superintendents to propose new certification route

Michigan teacher shortage prompts superintendents to propose new certification route By Tracie Mauriello After scouring the state’s pipeline to find more certified teachers, a group of Michigan education leaders are now looking to create a pipeline of their own.  Regional superintendents across the state are banding together to develop an alternate route to certification that emphasizes early on-the-job training and income opportunities for prospective teachers. The initiative, called Talent Together, is just the latest in a series of efforts by stakeholders across the state who are working to mitigate a looming shortage of teachers, especially in areas such as special education, math and science. The efforts include initiatives to provide stipends for student teachers, shorten teacher preparation programs, offer scholarships to education majors, create programs for high school students interested in the profession, and more. Talent Together’s goal is to provide employment in schools for teacher candidates so they can be paid while fulfilling student teaching requirements. “The current model is when you go to a university, it’s theory, theory, theory, then practice,” during a concentrated internship period, Eric Hoppstock, superintendent of the Berrien County Regional Educational Service Agency, said during a press conference Tuesday. “We’re really promoting practice, theory, practice, theory, practice, theory” under the supervision of an experienced teacher. That sort of path allows people to earn a living while working toward certification, said Kevin Oxley, superintendent of Jackson County Intermediate School District. “We don’t want people to quit their lives and have to go back to school,” Oxley said. “They can’t do that, so we are going to meet people where they are and remove barriers so they can become certified.” The program would be similar to On the Rise Academy, an alternative route program offered by Detroit Public Schools Community District that pays candidates to work in support staff roles while working toward certification. Nine other alternative route providers are approved in Michigan for teacher certification.  Talent Together expects to start enrolling students next September, but it still needs three things: funding, approval from the Michigan Department of Education, and responses to requests for proposals from universities that would provide the coursework. Elizabeth Moje, dean of the University of Michigan School of Education, said she has been approached by Talent Together organizers and is still trying to learn more about their plans. Talent Together could not say how much the program would cost. Organizers plan to apply for a share of $175 million the Legislature budgeted for grow-your-own programs that provide free tuition for school staff members enrolled in teacher preparation programs. The length of the program would depend on each candidate’s background, said Jack Elsey, founder of the nonprofit Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative, which is helping design the program. It might take a year for someone who already has a bachelor’s degree in another field, for example, or several years for someone who enters without any degree, he said. The idea for Talent Together came out of a meeting of seven regional superintendents in October. Since then, the consortium has grown to 39 of the state’s 57 regional educational service agencies, and more are expected to join. The agencies, also known as intermediate school districts, provide consolidated support to local districts. For example, they provide teacher training and coordinate early childhood, vocational, and special education programs for the districts they serve. “Together, we are asking for the opportunity to be utilized differently,” said Kyle Mayer, superintendent of Ottawa Intermediate School District. “Imagine if Michigan, as a state, were to have an ISD hub that works in partnership with higher education and has resources to expedite the certification process for high-quality teachers.” The group expects its program will produce hundreds of teachers over the next five years. The Michigan Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, is still learning about Talent Together and hopes its members will be asked to shape the program. “It’s important that any efforts include frontline educators at the table,” said MEA spokesman Thomas Morgan. “We are willing to work with anyone who is committed to ending the educator shortage,” he added. At least one local superintendent is grateful for the consortium’s work. “Ypsilanti Community Schools is facing the teacher shortage crisis,” Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross said. “This is real for districts, urban and rural,” she said. “We’ve been creative. We’ve been doing our recruitment and retention strategies. Even though we can try to do this on our own, the solution is bigger than us at the local level.” Tracie Mauriello covers state education policy for Chalkbeat Detroit and Bridge Michigan. Reach her at . Read Original Article Here

Superintendents from across Michigan are launching a program to address teacher shortages

Superintendents from across Michigan are launching a program to address teacher shortages Mitchell Boatman In an effort to address ongoing teacher shortages across the state, dozens of intermediate school districts in Michigan are coming together to work toward a solution.  More:‘An education pandemic’: Educators discuss dearth of teachers at Hope College panel More:Michigan schools grappling with lack of bus drivers, support staff A group of several dozen ISD (Intermediate School District) and RESA (Regional Educational Service Agency) superintendents announced the launch of “Talent Together” during a roundtable meeting Tuesday, Dec. 6. Talent Together is a consortium collectively serving 63 counties and over a million students.  The group aims to leverage state, federal and local funding to remove barriers and create additional pathways toward teacher certification to bolster the education workforce.  “The educator shortage crisis in Michigan is among the worst in the country, with a 66 percent drop in enrollment in educator preparation programs (from 2008 to 2016),” said Naomi Norman, superintendent of Washtenaw ISD. “Talent Together is committed to building a statewide program that is focused on quality. This means eliminating financial barriers, addressing vacancies, particularly in early childhood and special education, and ensuring that teachers are well prepared.” Participating districts range from Metro Detroit to West Michigan and from the Upper Peninsula to the Michigan-Indiana border. Included are the Ottawa Area, Wayne, St. Joseph County, Char-Em, Ionia County, Hillsdale County, Oakland and Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle ISDs — among others. The program will utilize an apprenticeship model to develop new educators, providing more on-the-job training. “Together, we are asking for the opportunity to be utilized differently and to a greater extent than ever before in the training and development of future educators,” said Kyle Mayer, superintendent of the Ottawa Area ISD. “We are advocating together to coordinate a more job-embedded training model in which much of the training for future school teachers happens inside of live PK-12 classrooms, supporting real-time student needs side-by-side under the careful supervision of our most highly effective practicing classroom teachers. “We believe there is an urgent need to design new and more efficient, high quality pathways into the education profession and that Michigan intermediate school districts are uniquely positioned within our system of public education to play an important role in meeting that need.” Intermediate school districts and regional educational service agencies are education entities providing support and resources to local school districts in their county or region. They provide support in meeting state and federal standards, measuring student growth, coordinating special education services, providing career and technical education opportunities and more. Those seeking certification through Talent Together will meet federal apprenticeship guidelines, which means at least one year of experience in the classroom fully paid at a competitive wage. “The more we can make sure that starting a career in education is a financially viable career — from the moment training begins — the more likely we are to convince the workforce of the future to consider becoming a teacher,” Jack Elsey, founder of the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative, which is supporting the Talent Together consortium, wrote in a statement. Talent Together will be available to a wide range of prospective educators, including those coming out of high school and those working as non-teaching staff in school buildings. Special focus will be given to people working in schools with an interest in teaching, but who don’t have the means to pursue certification.  Michigan recently approved $175 million for “grown your own” educator programs through the MI Proud Educator Grant. Talent Together plans to apply once the application opens, which is expected to happen this month.  The organization is on track to welcome participants as soon as next fall and is hopeful of quick results.  “Those of us at the Talent Together consortium believe this program will produce hundreds of additional teachers in the next five years,” said Scott Koziol, superintendent of the Char-Em ISD. Talent Together is seeking proposals from colleges and universities across the state that would meet the partnership’s needs.  Important principles include quality of preparation; affordability; addressing critical vacancies in secondary math, secondary science and elementary education; improved preparation, so teachers start full-time roles with experience; an apprenticeship model; diversity in educators; and serving rural, urban and suburban schools.  The group hopes to expand its reach and become a certifying body itself to further accelerate the initiative. — Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at . Follow him on Twitter @SentinelMitch. Read Original Article Here

Michigan schools form partnership to tackle chronic teacher shortage

Michigan schools form partnership to tackle chronic teacher shortage Jennifer Chambers Michigan educators announced a statewide partnership to address the K-12 teacher shortage that includes apprenticeships, paid student-teaching experiences and zero-debt pathways to develop future educators. “Talent Together” is a consortium of 39 intermediate school districts spanning 63 counties from the Upper Peninsula to Southeast Michigan that aims to create new routes for aspiring teachers of all education levels, including those who do not yet have a bachelor’s degree, education leaders announced on Tuesday. The new model will use apprenticeships to develop educators that are newly recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor, officials said.  Candidates who are seeking certification will be required to meet federal apprenticeship guidelines, which means at least one year of “practice” in classrooms and fully paid at a competitive wage.  “The pandemic has changed education and it’s important that districts and educators continue to evolve in response. Talent Together is an innovative and collaborative program that will rely on education experts across the state to alleviate the current teacher shortage crisis,” said Daveda Colbert, superintendent of Wayne RESA, Wayne County’s intermediate school district. Naomi Norman, superintendent of the Washtenaw County intermediate school district, said there is a huge unfilled need for teachers across the state in special education and early childhood programs. “As we looked and counted across all of our different areas, we realized special education is very significant for us. We are in the range 50 to 100 new teachers each year on our waiting list right now,” Norman said. “In early childhood, we don’t have enough. We could fill more classrooms if we had more teachers. In that area, we are looking for 25 to 30 teachers each year to maintain that.” Michigan’s teacher pipeline has been challenged in recent years, exacerbated by the impact of the COVID pandemic. Education officials on Tuesday said state data shows that from 2008-2016, enrollment in teacher preparation programs fell by more than 66%, and during that period Michigan also led the nation in attrition from those programs.  Eric Hoppstock, superintendent of Berrien County’s intermediate school district, said state policymakers must invite more people to join the teaching profession and do it in a way that is financially barrier-free. “The more we can make sure that starting a career in education is a financially viable career — from the moment training begins — the more likely we are to convince the workforce of the future to consider becoming a teacher,” said Jack Elsey, founder of the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative, a non-profit supporting Talent Together. Educators said on Tuesday they hope the program will produce hundreds more teachers in the next five years. The program will seek funding through the Michigan Department of Education and its Grow Your Own grant program, which the Legislature recently funded with $175 million. The hope is to welcome the first cohort of teacher candidates in the fall of 2023. Greg Nyen, superintendent of Marquette-Alger Regional Education Service Association in the Upper Peninsula, said the program is being built for sustainability, when initial grant dollars are exhausted, it can continue to provide opportunities for interested candidates to become teachers. In Marquette Area Public Schools alone there are 30 to 40 unfilled teaching positions, Nyen said. Nyen said the U.P. schools he represents struggle with a “revolving door” of substitute teachers. “We have a shortage of subs,” Nyen said. “This partnership should go a long way toward addressing the supply and demand issue.” “I’m excited by the focus on sustainability and the fact that the partnership is a truly statewide effort ensures voices that are often not at the table are included, like those of our educators here in the U.P,” Nyen added. On Thursday, the consortium launched a request for proposal asking Michigan colleges and universities to offer proposals that would meet the partnership’s needs.  The group has been working with education talent experts at the Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative to design the program. They expect to expand its reach to become a certifying body, similar to what Detroit Public Schools Community District’s “On the Rise Academy” has been able to do with MDE approval. Read Original Article Here

Michigan school leaders pitch new path to solve teacher shortage

Michigan school leaders pitch new path to solve teacher shortage Tracie Mauriello, Chalkbeat Detroit After scouring the state’s pipeline to find more certified teachers, a group of Michigan education leaders are now looking to create a pipeline of its own. Regional superintendents across the state are banding together to develop an alternate route to certification that emphasizes early on-the-job training and income opportunities for prospective teachers. The initiative, called Talent Together, is just the latest in a series of efforts by educators and others across the state who are working to mitigate a shortage of teachers, especially in areas such as special education, math and science. The efforts include initiatives to provide stipends for student teachers, shorten teacher preparation programs, offer scholarships to education majors, create programs for high school students interested in the profession, and more. Talent Together’s goal is to provide employment in schools to teacher candidates so they can be paid while fulfilling student-teaching requirements. “The current model is when you go to a university, it’s theory, theory, theory, then practice” during a concentrated internship period, Eric Hoppstock, superintendent of the Berrien County Regional Educational Service Agency, said during a press conference Tuesday. “We’re really promoting practice, theory, practice, theory, practice, theory” under the supervision of an experienced teacher.” That path allows people to earn a living while working toward certification, said Kevin Oxley, superintendent of Jackson County Intermediate School District. “We don’t want people to quit their lives and have to go back to school,” Oxley said. “They can’t do that, so we are going to meet people where they are and remove barriers so they can become certified.” The program would be similar to On the Rise Academy, an alternative route program offered by Detroit Public Schools Community District that pays candidates to work in support staff roles while working toward teacher certification. Nine other alternative route providers are approved in Michigan for teacher certification.  Talent Together expects to start enrolling students next September, but still needs three things: funding, approval from the Michigan Department of Education, and responses to requests for proposals from universities that would provide the coursework. Elizabeth Moje, dean of the University of Michigan School of Education, said she has been approached by Talent Together organizers and is still trying to learn more about their plans. Talent Together could not say how much the program would cost. Organizers plan to apply for a share of $175 million the Legislature budgeted for grow-your-own programs that provide free tuition for school staff members enrolled in teacher preparation programs. The length of the program would depend on each candidate’s background, said Jack Elsey, founder of the nonprofit Michigan Educator Workforce Initiative, which is helping design the program. It might take a year for someone who already has a bachelor’s degree in another field, for example, or several years for someone who enters without any degree, he said. The idea for Talent Together came out of a meeting of seven regional superintendents in October. Since then, the consortium has grown to 39 of the state’s 57 regional educational service agencies, and organizers said more are expected to join. The agencies, also known as intermediate school districts, provide consolidated support to local school districts, such as teacher training and coordinating early childhood, vocational and special education programs. “Together, we are asking for the opportunity to be utilized differently,” said Kyle Mayer, superintendent of Ottawa Intermediate School District. “Imagine if Michigan, as a state, were to have an ISD hub that works in partnership with higher education and has resources to expedite the certification process for high-quality teachers.” The group expects its program will produce hundreds of teachers over the next five years. A representative from the Michigan Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, said it is still learning about Talent Together and hopes MEA’s members will be asked to help shape the program. “It’s important that any efforts include frontline educators at the table,” said MEA spokesman Thomas Morgan. “We are willing to work with anyone who is committed to ending the educator shortage,” he added.  At least one local superintendent said she are grateful for the consortium’s work.  “Ypsilanti Community Schools is facing the teacher shortage crisis,” Superintendent Alena Zachery-Ross said. “This is real for districts, urban and rural,” she said. “We’ve been creative. We’ve been doing our recruitment and retention strategies. Even though we can try to do this on our own, the solution is bigger than us at the local level.” Tracie Mauriello covers state education policy for Chalkbeat Detroit and Bridge Michigan. Reach her at . Read Original Article Here