The state announced the launch of the MI Future Educator Fellowships, which offers aspiring teachers a scholarship to eliminate or lower the cost of tuition while they train to be educators and the MI Future Educator Stipend, which provides compensation for full-time student teachers.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the creation of the MI Future Educator Fellowships which offers aspiring teachers a scholarship to eliminate or lower the cost of tuition while they train to be educators and the MI Future Educator Stipend, which provides compensation for full-time student teachers.
The scholarships were created and funded in the bipartisan education budget Whitmer signed earlier this year which also included the highest state per-student investment in Michigan history and record investments in school infrastructure, mental health and school safety.
As CMF reported, Launch Michigan released Reinventing Public Education in Michigan, a framework designed to be a foundation for transforming Michigan’s educational system to equip students for a world economy that is increasingly remote, automated and global.
Released earlier this year, the framework was the first phase of Launch Michigan’s work to prepare Michigan’s children for success and outlines how the proposals were developed and how they can work to create improvements.
“We are excited to see the MI Future Educator Fellowship program put into place and to welcome the newest generation of leaders into teacher preparation programs across the state. We must tear down the barriers that prevent many talented young people from choosing teaching as a profession, and this new fellowship program will go a long way toward accomplishing that goal,” Paula Herbart, president of the Michigan Education Association and co-chair of Launch Michigan said.
According to the state, the scholarships will support up to 2,500 future Michigan educators.
MI Future Educator Fellowship: Awards will cover the cost of tuition and fees up to $10,000 and are renewable for up to three years. Students that receive the award commit to teaching in Michigan classrooms for at least three years after graduation.
MI Future Educator Stipend: Starting this fall, student teachers can earn $9,600 while they complete their final semester(s) of teacher preparation.
According to a state press release, by lowering the cost of higher education, the state can hire and train more qualified teachers and help bring down class sizes and provide individualized attention to support students.
Applications for scholarships and stipends open today, October 31.
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Read the full press release.
