FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Van Buren Intermediate School District Awarded $5.8 Million Round 2 Grow Your Own (GYO) School Staff Grant

February 27, 2024 - The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) announced a grant award of $5,800,000 to the Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD) as part of the Future Proud Michigan Educator Grow Your Own (GYO) staff grants. This new round of funding is in addition to a $9.1 million grant awarded to the VBISD in May 2023.

MDE announced the 96 grantees of the second round of Section 27b GYO School Staff grants in a press release dated December 20, 2023. These grant funds will be used to cover costs associated with educator preparation on behalf of school staff wishing to pursue initial certification or additional endorsements, thereby addressing staffing needs and reducing areas of teacher shortage. Costs may include tuition and fees associated with their program, required textbooks, application fees, transcript fees, Michigan Test of Teacher Certification (MTTC) fees, and Michigan Online Education Certification (MOECS) fees for initial licensure.

VBISD, in collaboration with their local school districts, Calhoun ISD, Western Michigan University (WMU), Grand Valley State University (GVSU), Michigan Teachers of Tomorrow, and #T.E.A.C.H. successfully applied for the Round 2 GYO staff grant. As a result of these additional funds, the VBISD will accommodate an additional 85 candidates from Van Buren and Calhoun counties seeking initial teaching certification or additional endorsements. These 85 new candidates will join the 157 candidates already enrolled in the program attending WMU, and GVSU.

The VBISD team has worked closely with faculty and staff at both universities since the summer and have developed an excellent partnership with one goal: support our candidates and help them succeed. The VBISD holds regular collaborative meetings with WMU and GVSU and weekly meetings as a VBISD GYO staff to continuously improve the experience for all candidates. Here are a few of the successes candidates have experienced so far:

“I’ve had my career, but ultimately, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. It wouldn't be possible without the Grow Your Own program. I'd tried to figure out a way to make it happen on my own, but it seemed impossible while also having to support myself. GYO took care of everything.”

“The first thing that absolutely must be mentioned is how in awe I am of the support, forethought, consideration, and general awesomeness that has been shown and given by the ISD. From the creation of the program itself to the help along the way, it is remarkable. Absolutely remarkable. This has been such an affirming experience.“

“I have been a long-term and building substitute teacher for around five years, after I left my previous career path in college sports. I fell in love with teaching and this is a wonderful path that allows me to become a full-time teacher without having to put myself into debt or leave my current position.”

“My experience so far has been wonderful. What I like the most is the continuous support given. Everyone involved in this Grant and to make it happen has been more than helpful and willing to do what it takes to help me be successful, and for that I am forever grateful for this opportunity.”

The next step for VBISD and the collaborating districts involves the careful review of applications and the selection of candidates for the program. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to attend either WMU, GVSU, #T.E.A.C.H. or Michigan Teachers of Tomorrow further enriching the talent pool of the teaching profession in Michigan.

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Press Contact:

Dave Manson and/or Melissa Corona

dmanson@vbisd.org and mcorona@vbisd.org

269-539-5200 and 269-539-5421

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