A new teacher prep initiative from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s College of Education & Human Development received a $3.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Teacher Quality Partnership grant program to establish and strengthen a Grow Your Own Network across Acadiana.
This initiative, designed to address teacher shortages in the south-central region of Louisiana, will build a regional network connecting local school districts with higher education institutions to foster a sustainable, diverse and highly skilled teaching workforce.
“Through the Grow Your Own program, we’re not only filling classrooms but ensuring they’re filled with educators who are well-prepared, culturally competent and committed to the communities they serve,” said Dr. Aimee Barber, project lead and assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at UL Lafayette. “This grant will enable us to build a sustainable pipeline for local talent to enter and thrive in the teaching profession, ultimately raising educational outcomes for students across Louisiana.”
The primary partners for this program are UL Lafayette, South Louisiana Community College and public school systems in Lafayette, Vermilion, St. Martin, St. Landry and St. Mary parishes. Additionally, the program is partnering with Steady State Impact for project evaluation, the Pugh Family Foundation for matching funds, PDK International for pre-educator curriculum, and the Louisiana Workforce Commission for development and incorporation of a Teacher Registered Apprenticeship component.
By identifying and addressing barriers that hinder potential educators from entering and remaining in the profession, the program aims to expand existing Grow Your Own programs and create new pathways for aspiring teachers, especially those from underrepresented communities.
Barber said the program is expected to impact over 69,000 pre-K-12 students by preparing a new generation of teachers to meet the needs of local schools.
“This program represents a holistic approach to tackling the teacher shortage and setting up students for academic success by fostering a reliable teacher pipeline that serves the needs of regional communities,” she said.
Other faculty members from UL Lafayette’s College of Education & Human Development serving on the grant include Dr. Douglas Williams, Dr. Peter Sheppard, Dr. Micah Bruce-Davis, Dr. Marietta Adams, Dr. Leigh M. Tolley and K-Lynn McKey.