The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s College of Education & Human Development has secured a $3.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education. This funding aims to launch a new initiative called the Grow Your Own Network, which seeks to address the significant teacher shortages in south-central Louisiana.
This innovative program is designed to create regional connections between local school districts and higher education institutions, with the goal of cultivating a skilled, diverse, and sustainable teaching workforce within the Acadiana region.
Dr. Aimee Barber, the project lead and assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at UL Lafayette, emphasized the program’s dedication not just to filling teaching roles but to ensuring that classrooms are staffed with well-prepared educators who are culturally aware and dedicated to their communities. With this grant, the initiative plans to establish a lasting pipeline that nurtures local talent, ultimately enhancing educational outcomes for students throughout Louisiana.
Collaborating on this project are significant partners, including UL Lafayette, South Louisiana Community College, and various public school districts in Lafayette, Vermilion, St. Martin, St. Landry, and St. Mary parishes. Other contributors include Steady State Impact for evaluation, the Pugh Family Foundation for financial support, PDK International for curriculum development, and the Louisiana Workforce Commission to integrate a Teacher Registered Apprenticeship component.
The program aims to identify and resolve obstacles that may prevent aspiring educators from entering or staying in the teaching profession, especially focusing on individuals from underrepresented communities. It is projected to benefit over 69,000 pre-K-12 students by preparing a new generation of teachers who can effectively meet local educational needs.
“This initiative takes a comprehensive approach to address the teacher shortage, ensuring students receive the academic support they need through a reliable teacher pipeline that caters to the specific challenges of our regional communities,” said Barber.
The initiative draws on the expertise of several faculty members from UL Lafayette’s College of Education & Human Development, including Dr. Douglas Williams, Dr. Peter Sheppard, Dr. Micah Bruce-Davis, Dr. Marietta Adams, Dr. Leigh M. Tolley, and K-Lynn McKey.
This initiative not only highlights the commitment to improving education in Louisiana but also exemplifies the potential of community-driven solutions to foster positive change in the education sector.
In summary, this grant signifies a proactive response to the pressing issue of teacher shortages, holding promise for the enhancement of education in local communities, lifting student outcomes, and developing strong educators who are invested in their neighborhoods.