The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s College of Education & Human Development has been awarded a substantial $3.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Quality Partnership grant program. This funding will be utilized to launch and enhance a “Grow Your Own” network throughout the Acadiana region, aiming to tackle the worrying teacher shortages plaguing southern Louisiana.
This innovative initiative seeks to establish a regional strategy that links local school districts with higher education institutions to develop a sustainable, diverse, and highly skilled teaching workforce. Dr. Aimee Barber, project lead and assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at UL Lafayette, highlighted the essential goal of the program: to not merely fill classrooms, but to ensure these classrooms have well-prepared, culturally competent educators committed to their communities. “This grant will enable us to create a sustainable pipeline for local talent, ultimately improving educational outcomes for students across Louisiana,” she stated.
Working collaboratively with UL Lafayette are South Louisiana Community College and several public school systems, including Lafayette, Vermilion, St. Martin, St. Landry, and St. Mary parishes. The initiative also enlists support from various organizations such as Steady State Impact for project evaluation, the Pugh Family Foundation for additional funding, PDK International for pre-educator curriculum development, and the Louisiana Workforce Commission, which will help create a Teacher Registered Apprenticeship component.
By identifying and overcoming barriers that prevent prospective educators from entering and remaining in the teaching profession, this program intends not only to expand existing Grow Your Own initiatives but also to create new pathways for aspiring teachers from underrepresented communities. This holistic approach is set to positively impact over 69,000 pre-K-12 students by equipping the next generation of educators to meet the evolving needs of local schools.
The collaborative effort reflects a commitment to addressing the teacher shortage and enhancing academic success for students in the region. With the involvement of a dedicated team from UL Lafayette’s College of Education & Human Development, this initiative holds promise for a brighter future in education across Acadiana.
This initiative not only responds to an urgent need but also encourages community involvement and development, creating a more inclusive educational atmosphere. By fostering local talent, it nurtures not just future educators but also strengthens the fabric of the communities they will serve.