MARYLAND - Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced the second round of Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program awards today.
The program will provide $14.7 million to 13 local school systems to expand teacher preparation pathways for non-licensed school staff. Officials say this is an effort to strengthen Maryland's educator workforce.
"I want Maryland to have the best public schools in the nation, so we are committed to tackling barriers to entry for educators without the burden of debt," Governor Moore said while speaking about the program. "The Grow Your Own Educators Grant addresses the teacher vacancy gap and ensures our students receive the world class education they deserve by building pathways to work, wages and wealth for the professionals already dedicated to their service."
A total of 845 educators will be supported statewide in becoming fully licensed educators while continuing to work in their schools. Officials say a consortium of seven Eastern Shore districts will receive about $1.1 million from the program. Worcester County Public Schools will receive $829,234.
State officials say a total of 16 districts statewide have received Grow Your Own Educators Grants since the program started. The latest round of awards are focused on high-need areas, including special education and early childhood education. Furthermore, several programs aim to increase diversity in Maryland's educator workforce through targeted recruitment.
More information on the Grow Your Own Educators Grant Program can be found here.
