CADILLAC — Cadillac Area Public Schools has been awarded a Future Proud Michigan Educator EXPLORE grant as part of nearly $1 million in statewide funding to help students explore careers in education.
The Michigan Department of Education selected 23 school districts and charter schools to receive EXPLORE program and staff grants totaling $998,810, according to a Feb. 23 news release.
The grant program provides opportunities for students in grades 6-12 to explore careers in education and supports graduates who plan to return to their home districts to teach. EXPLORE staff grants help cover tuition costs for former participants pursuing educator preparation programs.
“The EXPLORE grants help guide students from early exploration through teacher certification, with systems of support that are rooted in their local communities,” State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko said. “This is a long-term investment that empowers districts to grow an educator workforce representative of their communities that will continue to meet their local needs.”
Districts that receive an EXPLORE program grant are awarded $10,000 per school building to develop and maintain programming for students interested in teaching careers. The department will also provide consultation on program design, free curricular resources and professional learning for instructors.
Student opportunities may include visiting educator preparation programs, tutoring younger students during summer learning, partnering with mentor teachers and participating in a Future Educator Signing Day.
Districts awarded EXPLORE staff grants may receive reimbursement of up to $10,000 in tuition costs per graduate who is completing pre-program coursework and has not yet enrolled in a teacher preparation program.
The grants are part of efforts to address teacher shortages across the state. Increasing the number of certified teachers in shortage areas is identified as Goal 7 in Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan.
Educators interested in learning more about the EXPLORE program can access free curriculum and professional learning resources through the program’s webpage and related online materials.