Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced thousands of dollars in scholarships for future educators. | Michigan.gov
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently announced thousands of dollars in scholarships for future educators. | Michigan.gov
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) announced a fellowship for future educators Oct. 31 in hopes of strengthening the Michigan’s education system.
Up to 2,500 educators have the opportunity to apply for $10,000 scholarships and student teachers have the chance to receive $9,600 in funds, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
The state hopes that by helping future educators with their education they will get more qualified teachers within the public education system, the release stated. A bipartisan education budget led to the establishment of the scholarships.
“I am excited to announce that applications for $10,000 MI Future Educator Fellowships and $9,600 a semester MI Future Educator Stipends are officially open,” Whitmer said. “As a mom, I know how important it is for every classroom to have a qualified teacher, and I am proud that we worked across the aisle to establish these fellowships and stipends. I urge every eligible Michigander to apply so we can strengthen our teacher pipeline and ensure every kid in every district has excellent educators.”
Future teachers that receive the $10,000 scholarships must agree to teach in a Michigan classroom after graduation for at least three years, according to the release.
“This program sends a powerful message to Michiganders that the state is investing in education and educators and will continue to do what it takes to ensure that every classroom has a well-prepared and qualified educator,” said Dr. Elizabeth Birr Moje, dean at the University of Michigan School of Education. “This bipartisan education budget recognizes that Michigan can improve education opportunities for all children and youth by appropriately developing our teaching force.”
To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be a Michigan resident, have at least a 3.0 GPA and be in line for their first teacher certification, the release stated.
“The $10,000 MI Future Educator Fellowships and the $9,600 student teacher stipends funded through bipartisan legislation is a game changer for the teacher candidates enrolled in Northern Michigan University's educator preparation program and the schools that will employ them,” Joe Lubig, associate dean for Teacher Education at Northern Michigan University, said in the release. “Through this legislation, our elected leaders have communicated to every educator in our state that they are valued and that there is a statewide community supporting their professional growth and development.”
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