Interested in becoming a teacher? This GVSU program could make your education tuition-free

Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel
·2 min read

WEST MICHIGAN — Three intermediate school districts in West Michigan will partner with Grand Valley State University to offer free tuition and stipends to aspiring teachers.

The West Michigan Teacher Collaborative, announced in late September, offers a tuition-free pathway for more than 300 aspiring teachers to earn their certificates — or existing educators to obtain advanced credentials. It’s a partnership between GVSU and the Kent, Ottawa Area and Muskegon Area ISDs.

The new initiative is designed to recruit, train and retain “the next generation of excellent teachers in West Michigan.” All tuition, fees and supplies are covered for program participants. Many will also be eligible for stipends of up to $20,000.

“Throughout my career ... I've seen community members and support staff with the potential and desire to teach, held back from realizing their dream by various barriers,” OAISD Superintendent Kyle Mayer wrote in a release. “The West Michigan Teacher Collaborative addresses these challenges, drawing significant interest and applications. This program will be transformative for future educators and, in turn, their students.”

Three intermediate school districts in West Michigan will partner with Grand Valley State University to offer free tuition and stipends to aspiring teachers.
Three intermediate school districts in West Michigan will partner with Grand Valley State University to offer free tuition and stipends to aspiring teachers.

WMTC will utilize programs and faculty from GVSU’s College of Education and Community Innovation. Amy Schelling, associate dean of the CECI, said a close relationship between the college and local districts brought the collaboration to fruition.

“This program maintains high quality teacher preparation standards ... in ways that support the unique needs of the region," Schelling said.

WMTC secured $19 million in funding through the Michigan Department of Education.

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What are the program options?

There are three program options — one for those looking to earn their first bachelor’s degree and become a teacher; one for those with an existing bachelor’s degree looking to switch to a teaching career; and one for current educators seeking additional credentials through advanced degrees.

Applications for each program are open through Nov. 1, with programs beginning in January and May 2024. Learn more at teachwestmichigan.org.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Grand Valley State University offers free tuition to aspiring teachers