More than 200 Michigan school districts are receiving a total of close to $10 million to support new teachers and school administrators.
The funding allows districts to develop and strengthen their own mentoring and induction programs or to partner with a provider of mentoring services to meet state requirements.
“If we want to put Students First, we need to keep outstanding new educators in the field,” said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. “Mentoring and induction programs help our schools retain teachers and administrators who are making the difference in the lives of children.”
Strong mentoring and induction practices increase teacher retention and support Goal 7 in Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, to increase the number of certified teachers in areas of shortage.
“Districts that are receiving these grants have demonstrated that they are committed to strengthening the skills of new teachers and administrators and retaining those educators by having them learn from more experienced educators,” said State Board of Education President Dr. Pamela Pugh. “The State Board of Education will continue to support efforts to address the teacher shortage.”
The mentoring and induction grants are awarded through Section 27h of the fiscal year 2025 State School Aid Act.
Of the 239 districts statewide being awarded the funds, here are some notable districts listed:
- Cadillac Area Public Schools
- Central Montcalm Public Schools
- Comstock Park Public Schools
- Crossroads Charter Academy of Big Rapids
- Farwell Area Schools
- Grant Public Schools
- Harrison Community Schools
- Hesperia Community Schools
- Mason County Eastern District
- Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District
- Newaygo County Regional Education Service Agency
- Pine River Area Schools
The funding includes nearly $8.5 million to 199 intermediate school districts and local education agencies, both traditional public school districts and public school academies, to use for stipends and training for mentors of teachers; books, materials, professional learning and other resources to support mentoring and induction of new teachers; and staffing costs to cover time spent dedicated to mentoring and onboarding of new teachers.
The remaining $1.5 million was awarded to 118 districts to contract with an approved provider of mentoring services for administrators.
