Kalamazoo Times

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is encouraging all eligible residents to apply for $10,000 in scholarships for college students, as well as $9,600 per stipend per semester for student teachers through the MI Future Educator Fellowship.

According to a press release by Whitmer’s office, these fellowships and stipends are bipartisan and aimed at helping the teacher pipeline, and enabling school districts to hire and train the most qualified teachers. 

“I am excited to announce that applications for $10,000 MI Future Educator Fellowships and $9,600 a semester MI Future Educator Stipends are officially open,” Governor Whitmer said on Oct. 31. “As a mom, I know how important it is for every classroom to have a qualified teacher, and I am proud that we worked across the aisle to establish these fellowships and stipends. I urge every eligible Michigander to apply so we can strengthen our teacher pipeline and ensure every kid, in every district has excellent educators.”

The fellowships and stipends are funded through the education budgets signed by Whitmer earlier this year, which also include the highest state per-student investment in Michigan's history. There are also record investments in school infrastructure, mental health and school safety.

“High-quality and well-prepared teachers are fundamental in the success of our students and the future of our state and nation,” Jerlando F. L. Jackson, dean of the Michigan State University College of Education and MSU Foundation professor of education, said. “This bipartisan effort from the state is one more way to show to future and current educators how much we all value the important work they do for the next generation of students.” 

The fellowship offers those looking for a career in teaching a scholarship to eliminate or lower tuition costs while they are trained. The award is for the cost of tuition and fees of up to $10,000 and can be renewed for up to three years. Students receiving the scholarship need to teach in Michigan for at least three years once graduated. Those eligible must be working toward their first teacher certification, start training in fall 2022 or later, earn a 3.0 GPA (grade point average) or higher and be a resident of Michigan. 

The MI Future Educator Stipend is for full-time student teachers, and starting this fall they can earn $9,600 while they complete their final semester of preparation. Those eligible must be unpaid by their local district and participating full time in student teaching coursework.

“This program sends a powerful message to Michiganders that the state is investing in education and educators and will continue to do what it takes to ensure that every classroom has a well-prepared and qualified educator,” Dr. Elizabeth Birr Moje, dean at the University of Michigan School of Education, said. “This bipartisan education budget recognizes that Michigan can improve education opportunity for all children and youth by appropriately developing our teaching force.”

Moje said the program goes a long way toward making it possible for more to pursue their dream of becoming a teacher.

“With these resources, the state is reducing financial barriers to high-quality training, degree completion and licensure through robust educator preparation programs. I am proud of our state leaders and legislators for recognizing that the single most important factor in children’s learning is access to a well-prepared teacher. I look forward to partnering with the state to recruit, sustain and retain both new professionals and the highly skilled and dedicated teachers already in the profession.” 

For information and how to apply, log onto Michigan.gov/mistudentaid.