Some teachers in Wisconsin's most underserved communities will gain access to funding for more job training. | Canva
Some teachers in Wisconsin's most underserved communities will gain access to funding for more job training. | Canva
In a joint initiative, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and the Department of Workforce Development (DWD) announced new funding for the Teacher Training and Recruitment Program this month.
The $1 million in funding will be made available through the DWD's Expanded Wisconsin Fast Forward program.
Eligible nonprofits in Wisconsin will be able to apply for up to $500,000 in grant funding. The funds can be used to recruit and train new teachers up to the standards of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. The program is aimed at teachers in low-income and underserved communities in an effort to improve the quality of education in those areas.
“I’ve always said that what’s best for our kids is what’s best for our state, and that’s why we have prioritized providing resources to our educators and our schools to ensure every kid in every community has access to a quality public education,” Evers said in a press release.
The $1 million in funding for training was originally proposed by the governor in the 2019-2021 biennial budget, but it was struck down by Republicans in the review process.
“Wisconsin students, no matter who they are or where they live, have the right to quality education. Investing in our teachers so that they can provide high-quality education is an investment in both our current workforce and future workforce generations,” DWD Secretary-Designee Amy Pechacek said in a release.
Last year, the grant awarded two grants worth about $500,000 each. One was awarded to the City Forward Collective in Milwaukee and the other was given to the Urban League of Greater Madison. The two grants provided training for 172 new teachers. Funds were used to expand the innovative and successful Emerging Educators program piloted by Milwaukee Public Schools. Paraprofessionals currently working in urban schools serving low-income students completed degrees and teacher certification at Alverno College, Concordia University or Viterbo University.
Organizations that would like to apply for grants have until March 4 to apply.
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