Harper Creek Community Schools staff to benefit from statewide 'grow your own' grant
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EMMETT TWP. — Harper Creek Community Schools is one of 80 Michigan school districts that will be developing more teachers from within its ranks courtesy of a Future Proud Michigan Educator Grow Your Own staff grant.
The GYO staff grants provide opportunities for districts to increase the number of teachers in areas of need by supporting school employees seeking an initial teaching certification or additional endorsements. Grant funding covers the costs associated with teacher preparation, including tuition, all fees, testing costs, books, travel to and from coursework, substitute employee costs, and supplies.
Harper Creek is working closely with Western Michigan University to provide this unique opportunity to 18 current staff members. Statewide, roughly 1,375 future educators will be able to access funds as a part of this effort.
“We are excited to bring this opportunity to our community. The GYO grant will provide our students with high-quality educators who know and understand the specific needs at HCCS,” Harper Creek Superintendent Rob Ridgeway said in the release. “The grant also allows for our grant recipients to receive an education that may otherwise be out of reach.”
Harper Creek grant recipients come from various positions within the district. Three teachers will be obtaining master’s degrees, two of which are in special education programs, where many districts are currently struggling to find qualified teachers, district officials said.
One teacher will be pursuing a career and technical education teaching certification, while nine para educators, two childcare associates and three district substitute teachers will be obtaining bachelor's or master’s degrees.
Grant recipients are eager for their first day of school at WMU later this month.
“We are thrilled to provide this opportunity to our staff," Tammy Chapman, human resources director for HCCS, said in the release. "With the $1.74 million GYO grant, we are providing the recipients with technology and supplies to ensure a cost-free path to starting their program at WMU.
“Everyone is excited. The recipients are ready to start their programs and we are ready to support them on this journey.”
Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Harper Creek Community Schools receives 'grow your own' grant
