The College of Education & Human Development at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette has been awarded a $3.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Quality Partnership program. This funding will help establish and fortify a Grow Your Own Network throughout the Acadiana region, a strategic initiative aimed at alleviating teacher shortages in the south-central part of Louisiana.
The program’s goal is to create a strong regional network that connects local school districts with institutions of higher education, thereby promoting the development of a sustainable, diverse, and skilled teaching workforce. Dr. Aimee Barber, project lead and assistant professor at UL Lafayette, stated, “Through the Grow Your Own program, we’re not only filling classrooms but ensuring they’re filled with educators who are well-prepared, culturally competent, and committed to the communities they serve.” This initiative is envisioned to build a reliable pipeline allowing local talent to enter the teaching profession, contributing to enhanced educational outcomes for students in Louisiana.
Key collaborators for this project include UL Lafayette, South Louisiana Community College, and several public school districts within Lafayette, Vermilion, St. Martin, St. Landry, and St. Mary parishes. Additional partnerships involve Steady State Impact for project assessment, the Pugh Family Foundation for supplemental funding, PDK International for curriculum development, and input from the Louisiana Workforce Commission to incorporate a Teacher Registered Apprenticeship program.
The initiative addresses barriers that often prevent aspiring educators, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, from entering and remaining in the teaching profession. The program is anticipated to impact over 69,000 pre-K-12 students by cultivating a new generation of teachers who are equipped to meet the specific needs of local schools.
Dr. Barber emphasized that the program adopts a comprehensive approach to tackle the teacher shortage issue, aiming to foster a dependable teacher pipeline that will ultimately support student success in regional communities.
This initiative not only represents hope for those aspiring to become educators but also reflects a concerted effort to enhance the quality of education for future generations. By investing in local talent and focusing on inclusivity, the program is poised to strengthen the educational landscape in Louisiana, ensuring that all students receive the quality of education they deserve.