WMU receives $425,000 to improve teacher support and address Michigan’s teacher shortage

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and Western Michigan University (WMU) have partnered to address the state’s ongoing teacher shortage.

On Wednesday, WMU received a $425,741 grant from a competition to support mentoring and induction programs for educators, according to MDE.

This includes developing standards, curricula and professional development for mentors of new teachers, administrators and school counselors, officials said.

“Intensive mentoring and induction practices increase teacher retention and support Goal 7 of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan to increase the number of certified teachers in shortage areas,” said State School Superintendent Dr. Michael F. Rice. “Western Michigan University was selected for all three groups of educators supported by this grant because of its extensive expertise in mentoring and induction programs. Local school districts in Michigan will benefit from this expertise in their search for highly qualified educators.”

According to MDE, funds developed under the grant awarded Wednesday are expected to be available to Michigan school districts in the 2024-2025 school year.

In addition, these resources are expected to be directly linked to two other upcoming grants: one to evaluate mentoring and induction programs and one to support district-level mentoring and induction programs.

To be eligible for the Mentoring Standards, Curricula and Professional Learning Creation grant, applicants must demonstrate knowledge and experience in supporting new teachers, administrators and counselors, according to MDE.

Officials said districts and educational institutions must also partner with the MDE, meet deadlines and complete mentoring standards, curricula and professional development modules.

More information about the mentoring standards, curricula, and the Professional Learning Environments Grant can be found online.