The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s College of Education & Human Development has been awarded a $3.1 million grant by the U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Quality Partnership program. This funding will be utilized to establish and enhance a “Grow Your Own Network” throughout Acadiana, aiming to address the teacher shortages present in the south-central region of Louisiana.
The initiative intends to develop a cohesive regional network that links local school districts with higher education institutions. The goal is to cultivate a sustainable, diverse, and highly skilled teaching workforce within the area. Dr. Aimee Barber, the project lead and assistant professor of curriculum and instruction, emphasized that the initiative seeks not only to occupy classrooms but to do so with educators who are well-prepared and culturally attuned to their communities.
With the support of this grant, UL Lafayette plans to create a robust pipeline for local talent to seamlessly transition into and flourish within the teaching profession. This development is expected to enhance educational outcomes for students throughout Louisiana. The program’s primary collaborations include partnerships with South Louisiana Community College and various public school systems across several parishes, including Lafayette, Vermilion, St. Martin, St. Landry, and St. Mary.
In addition to primary partners, the initiative will also work with organizations like Steady State Impact for project evaluation and the Pugh Family Foundation for funding support. The collaboration will extend to PDK International to develop pre-educator curricula and the Louisiana Workforce Commission to incorporate a Teacher Registered Apprenticeship component.
A key aspect of the program will be identifying and dismantling barriers that currently deter aspiring educators from joining and remaining in the teaching profession. The aim is to expand existing Grow Your Own programs while developing new avenues for future teachers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Barber highlighted that the initiative is projected to impact over 69,000 pre-K-12 students by preparing a new wave of dedicated educators to cater to the needs of local schools. This comprehensive program serves as a proactive measure to alleviate teacher shortages and enhance student success through a dependable teacher supply that aligns with the regional education system’s requirements.
In total, 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, will contribute to the grant’s implementation.
This initiative represents a promising step towards not only addressing current educational challenges but also fostering a long-term vision for quality education in Louisiana. By nurturing homegrown talent, local communities can expect increased stability and consistency within their schools, ultimately benefiting students and educators alike.