Alcona Community Schools has been awarded $833,966 through the Michigan Department of Education's (MDE) Grow Your Own Educator Development Grant, a significant investment that will strengthen the district's ability to recruit, develop, and retain highly qualified teachers for years to come.
The grant is part of a statewide initiative that awarded approximately $70 million to 74 school districts and public school academies across Michigan. Funded through a legislative appropriation approved by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the Grow Your Own Educator Development Grant supports school districts in creating pathways for current employees to earn teaching certificates, add endorsements, and pursue additional professional learning opportunities in partnership with state-approved educator preparation programs.
For Alcona Community Schools, the funding represents an important opportunity to invest in the people who already know and care deeply about the district's students and community.
"This grant is an investment in the future of Alcona Community Schools," said Superintendent Dan O'Connor. "We know that some of the best future teachers are already working in our schools as paraprofessionals, support staff, substitutes, and other dedicated employees. By helping them earn their teaching credentials, we are creating opportunities for our staff while building a strong, sustainable workforce that will benefit our students for many years to come."
The Grow Your Own initiative is designed to address Michigan's teacher shortage by expanding the pipeline of certified educators, particularly in high-need and shortage areas. Participants receive support as they complete educator preparation programs, making it more accessible for current school employees to transition into certified teaching roles or earn additional endorsements.
According to the Michigan Department of Education, the grants advance Goal 7 of Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan by increasing the number of certified teachers across the state and ensuring students have access to highly qualified educators in every classroom.
Alcona Community Schools will work with its educator preparation partners to implement the program, providing eligible staff members with opportunities to pursue teacher certification and professional advancement while continuing to serve the district.
"This funding allows us to invest directly in our people," O'Connor added. "When we support the professional growth of our employees, we strengthen our schools, improve student learning, and reinforce our commitment to providing every Alcona student with an exceptional educational experience."
The district expects planning and participant recruitment to begin in the coming months, with program implementation following as partnerships and certification pathways are finalized.