The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s College of Education & Human Development has secured a significant $3.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education through the Teacher Quality Partnership grant program. This funding will support the establishment and enhancement of a “Grow Your Own Network” across the Acadiana region, aimed at addressing the pressing teacher shortages in south-central Louisiana.
The initiative will create a collaborative network linking local school districts with higher education institutions, ensuring a strong, diverse, and expertly skilled workforce of educators. Dr. Aimee Barber, the project lead and assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at UL Lafayette, emphasized the dual objective of the program: to not only fill teaching positions but to do so with highly competent educators who are culturally aware and deeply engaged with their communities. Dr. Barber noted that the grant supports the development of a sustainable pipeline for local talent into the teaching profession, which is crucial for improving educational outcomes throughout Louisiana.
Key partners in this initiative include UL Lafayette, South Louisiana Community College, and several public school systems in Lafayette, Vermilion, St. Martin, St. Landry, and St. Mary parishes. Collaborations will also feature various organizations, such as Steady State Impact for project evaluation, the Pugh Family Foundation for additional funding, PDK International for educational curriculum development, and the Louisiana Workforce Commission to help implement a Teacher Registered Apprenticeship component.
By tackling the barriers that may prevent individuals from pursuing or continuing a career in education, this program aims to enhance existing initiatives and open new pathways for aspiring educators, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds. Dr. Barber anticipates that the program will positively influence the educational experiences of over 69,000 pre-K-12 students by cultivating a new generation of teachers equipped to meet local needs.
“This program represents a comprehensive strategy to combat the teacher shortage and pave the way for students’ academic success by nurturing a dependable teacher pipeline that aligns with the needs of our regional communities,” she explained.
This initiative not only addresses immediate educational shortfalls but also sets a hopeful precedent for the future of teaching in Louisiana, fostering a sustainable community-focused approach to education.
With collaborative efforts involving experienced faculty members from UL Lafayette and a robust support network, this initiative offers a bright outlook for aspiring educators and the students they will inspire.