Alpena Montmorency Alcona Educational Service District Expands “Grow Your Own Grant”

The Alpena Montmorency Alcona Educational Service District (AMA ESD) recently expanded its “Grow Your Own” Grant to include an additional school, West Governors University.

“Last spring, we received a grant from the Michigan Department of Education under the Grow Your Own program, that allows us to support individuals who are employed by or work in our school districts to pursue a teaching license at no cost, so basically tuition fees etc” said, Justin Gluesing Superintendent of AMA ESD district.

With the inclusion of West Governors University to the grant, it will officially become the first out of state school to collaborate with Michigan’s Grow Your Own program.

“Well, the grant was in total for 3.5 million dollars and one of the things I’ve been sharing is that the educator shortage regionally as well as around state and nation is probably the most pressing issue facing schools right now. Getting more people into a teacher education career pathway is critical for the long term health and sustainability of our schools” said Gluesing.

Michigan is believed to be one of the most isolated areas in regards to receiving education and preparation training from a four year university program. This grant will give more students in rural areas opportunities to become future teachers.