The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s College of Education & Human Development has been awarded a significant $3.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education, aimed at establishing a vital initiative known as the Grow Your Own Network across the Acadiana region. This new program seeks to address the pressing teacher shortages impacting southern Louisiana by creating an interconnected network between local school districts and higher education institutions.
This collaborative effort is focused on cultivating a sustainable, diverse, and skilled workforce of educators. Dr. Aimee Barber, the project lead and assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at UL Lafayette, emphasizes that the Grow Your Own program is not just about filling classrooms; it’s about ensuring those classrooms are staffed with educators who are well-prepared, culturally aware, and dedicated to serving their communities. She notes the importance of developing a strong pipeline for local talent to succeed in the teaching profession, which will ultimately enhance educational outcomes for students across the state.
The project will involve key partnerships among UL Lafayette, South Louisiana Community College, and public school systems from several parishes, including Lafayette, Vermilion, St. Martin, St. Landry, and St. Mary. Additional collaborations include organizations such as Steady State Impact, the Pugh Family Foundation for funding resources, PDK International for assistance with pre-educator curriculum, and the Louisiana Workforce Commission to incorporate a Teacher Registered Apprenticeship program.
A critical aspect of the initiative is its focus on identifying and overcoming barriers that have traditionally made it difficult for potential educators, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to enter and remain in the profession. By expanding existing programs and creating new pathways, the initiative aims to prepare a new generation of teachers who can better meet the needs of local schools and their diverse student populations.
Through this comprehensive approach, the program is projected to benefit over 69,000 pre-K-12 students, fostering success not only for the future teachers but also for the students they will ultimately serve. Dr. Barber highlights the importance of building a reliable teacher pipeline that supports the specific needs of regional communities, paving the way for academic achievement.
The faculty members involved in this grant are committed to realizing the goals of this transformative initiative, ensuring that the educational needs of Louisiana become increasingly met through local solutions.
This initiative represents a beacon of hope in addressing educational challenges in the region and serves as an encouraging example of collaboration aimed at enriching the teaching profession. By investing in local talent and focusing on community needs, the Grow Your Own Network sets a precedent for sustainable educational improvement across Louisiana.