Midland University Awarded “Grow Your Own” Teacher Apprenticeship Competitive Grant
In its continuing efforts to help supplement the education field, Midland University was recently awarded the Nebraska “Grow Your Own” Teacher Apprenticeship Competitive Grant.
This grant provides competitive grant funding to in-state, approved Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) applicants, who will, in turn, agree to partner with one or more Nebraska public school districts, educational service units (ESU), or private school employers to design and administer Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program.
Through this grant, Midland will be partnering with eight districts in the Metro area (Bellevue, Douglas County West, Elkhorn, Fremont, Millard, Papillion-La Vista, Ralston, and Westside). Each district will identify three paraprofessional educators to earn a Special Education endorsement, and one educator for the English as a Second Language (ESL) endorsement. Educators will start in the spring of 2025 and earn their certifications by May of 2027.
Midland is one of three approved EPP apprenticeship programs in the state and is participating in a pilot program with Westside Community Schools. Midland’s partnership with Westside and other Nebraska districts has helped open the door for unique customized training and courses that support the needs of each individual district.
“We are excited for this opportunity to give these educators an opportunity to advance in their careers,” said Jamie Simpson, Chief Academic Officer. “Midland is continuing to work to help fortify the teaching profession, and we are grateful for grants like this one that aid us in that process.”
