Flint, MI – The State of Michigan Department of Education announced on May 25, 2023 that the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) has been awarded $616,961 as part of the Future Proud Michigan Educator Grow Your Own (GYO) staff grants. This initiative is aimed at developing more teachers from within local school districts.
The GYO staff grant will provide GISD with opportunities to increase the number of teachers in areas of shortage by supporting school employees seeking initial certification. GISD directly served over 1,000 Genesee County students in Center-based programs during the 2022-23 school year.
This grant will help instructional support staff working in a GISD special education classroom benefit from their own successful experiences, and ensure that every student has access to high-quality instruction. After obtaining the initial certification, candidates would then begin working toward a special education endorsement in the areas of cognitive impairment or autism spectrum disorder. Current teachers may also wish to add one of those endorsements to their teaching certificate through this grant opportunity. Providing staff these valuable opportunities will ultimately assist the GISD with meeting the need for special education teachers.
“We are excited to provide these opportunities to our staff,” stated Deputy Superintendent Tricia Hill. “It not only provides an opportunity for career advancement to many staff, but will also assist the GISD with filling our classrooms with much needed certified teachers. It’s a win-win!”
GISD is honored to be named one of 80 school districts in Michigan to receive this grant. Through a partnership with state-approved educator preparation providers, University of Michigan – Flint and Grand Valley State University, GISD will be able to cover the costs associated with educator preparation.
Several staff have already expressed interest in earning a Bachelor’s Degree and teaching certificate or an additional endorsement. GISD has released applications to internal staff for the Bachelor’s Degree program and will soon communicate next steps for the additional endorsement program. A committee will review the applications and conduct interviews in the coming weeks for both programs.
For more information, contact the GISD Communications & Development department by emailing [email protected] or by calling (810) 591-4426.