Georgia’s Department of Education recently received two federal grants to grow teacher apprenticeships and strengthen support for new educators.
Inspiring educators must undergo a year of student teaching before receiving their degree. During this time, it is not uncommon for student teachers to take on additional financial burdens because of the demanding and rigorous program. The funding will go to furthering economical support for these future teachers.
$5.98 million from the Teacher Quality Partnership grant will expand the apprenticeship opportunities and enhance mentoring, support and preparation for new educators.
A second grant worth $4.3 million will specifically go to broaden the registered apprenticeship openings for future special education teachers.
The University of West Georgia, home to the largest college of education program in the state, partnered with the Georgia Department of Education to secure these grants. The university will design a new model to reflect the enhanced apprenticeship programs, including offering course credit for prior learning experiences.
Once created, the model will be implemented and expanded to rural communities, giving school districts across the state access to these opportunities.
These grants are a part of a broader expansion and investment into the Teach the Peach initiative, which strives to make Georgia an ideal state for teachers.
