NSU awarded $2.45M for teacher recruitment
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Northeastern State University has been awarded $2.45M in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to promote and strengthen teacher recruitment through the Teacher Acceleration Program.
“NSU is known for educating high-quality teachers in Oklahoma,” NSU President Rodney Hanley said. “This funding will allow us to expand on that reputation by offering even more alternative learning opportunities for future educators.”
Grant funding will be used to recruit bachelor-level, non-teacher education individuals interested in teaching in Oklahoma into the accelerated alternative certification pathways at NSU.
The grant funding will also provide scholarships for non-education professionals to earn accelerated certification for secondary science and math, elementary with a concentration in STEM and special education.
Through this program, NSU will be creating awareness of available options to become an educator in Oklahoma through a variety of grant-funded activities. Funding will also be utilized to assist in teacher retention by providing mentoring and coaching for recent graduates and emergency-certified educators to help them stay in the classroom.
“This grant will play a key role in giving us the opportunity to more aggressively recruit teachers into classrooms by offering high-level mentoring, by providing relevant coursework and by eliminating the financial barriers for individuals wishing to become effective classroom teachers but who are in need of guidance and/or financial assistance,” Dr. Vanessa Anton, dean of the College of Education and principal investigator for the grant, said. “This initiative will strengthen our already established alternative and accelerated programs for teachers.”
Funds will be spent over the course of two years from 2024 to 2026.
In addition to funding the hiring of a director and assistant director for the program activities, the grant will also provide funding to onboard several paraprofessionals and stipends for mentor teachers to assist them at their school site. STEM education starter packs will also be provided to beginning teachers completing these programs so that they are fully equipped as they enter a new classroom in Oklahoma.
Expert and highly experienced faculty in the College of Education and the Gregg Wadley College of Science & Health Professions will assist with mentorship for those looking to be certified.
“Through this project, we are creating a mentorship program for alternatively certified teachers that is aligned to the curriculum to cultivate their pedagogical skills and put learning at the center of instruction,” Dr. Renée Cambiano, professor and co-principal investigator for the grant, said. “Our purpose is to provide intentional support through relevant, rigorous coursework, mentorship and reflective practice.”
To learn more about the College of Education at NSU, visit coe.nsuok.edu.
