Talent Together operates what leaders call a “grow your own” program to address the state’s teacher shortage.

Executive Director Dr. Sarena Shivers explains.

“We are looking for potential teachers right in the communities that they currently serve. They may already be a bus driver, maybe they are a parent, maybe they’re a teacher’s assistant. In some capacity, they are already serving in that community, and what we do is help them find their way to the teacher classroom certification by matching them with a postsecondary institution.”

Classes are virtual, allowing candidates to receive post-secondary education while living and working in their own community.

The program also includes a year-long apprenticeship with a master teacher.

“One more thing that makes our program unique is that we are partnered and recognized as an apprentice program through the US Department of Labor, and our Teacher Candidates receive 80% of a teacher’s salary in full benefits during that apprenticeship year.”

Talent Together is led by all 56 intermediate school districts and regional education service agencies in Michigan so is available statewide.

Since its launch in 2022, it has placed 218 teachers and another 137 will join the teacher workforce at the end of this school year.

Talent Together received 1,703 applications for its 4th cohort.