Dec 01, 2023 09:35 PM EST By Joy Liwanag, UniversityHerald Reporter

In a significant move to combat the longstanding teacher shortage crisis in Missouri, the U.S. Department of Education has awarded Saint Louis University (SLU) a substantial $5.96 million grant. This financial injection aims to bridge educational gaps in underserved communities within the St. Louis region and Kansas City, marking a pivotal step towards addressing the critical shortage of educators.

Pioneering a Pilot Program

The core of this substantial grant lies in the innovative pilot program developed by SLU's School of Education. Designed to enroll up to 80 individuals already holding associate's degrees and actively engaged in school settings, this two-year program charts a course for participants to earn a complete teaching degree upon program completion.

Molly Schaller, the associate dean for SLU's School of Education, highlights the evolving landscape of teacher education. She notes, "There's a struggle to have licensed teachers in schools, and there's a struggle for paraprofessionals to earn a living wage." The program stands as a strategic response, supporting those already working in schools and empowering school districts to invest in developing their own teachers.

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Collaborative Partnerships for Impact

Critical to the success of this initiative is SLU's collaboration with key educational institutions, including St. Louis Public Schools, Kansas City Public Schools, Confluence Public Charter System. This partnership is essential in targeting teaching assistants, para-teachers, and other education professionals already embedded in the school system, recognizing the untapped potential within the existing workforce.

Tuition Coverage and Strategic Design

The program, set to commence its first class in the summer of 2024, will have tuition costs covered by the Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) grant. To accommodate the schedules of full-time education professionals, the two-year program will be delivered online, with in-person coaching and mentoring by instructional coaches and teacher mentors.

Gary Ritter, the dean of the School of Education, underscores the uniqueness of such initiatives, stating, "There aren't a lot of institutions doing anything like this." Traditional pathways to teacher licensure often prove inaccessible for paraprofessionals juggling full-time school responsibilities and familial obligations. The program's virtual format aims to make an SLU degree and teaching license accessible to those who might not have considered it feasible previously.

SLU's Academic Prowess and Commitment to Change

Saint Louis University, a significant player in the region's academic landscape, stands out with an enrollment exceeding 13,500 for the academic year 2022-23. Boasting a budget exceeding $1.04 billion and an endowment standing at $1.34 billion, the university is well-positioned to spearhead initiatives that address critical gaps in education. Under the leadership of President Fred Pestello, SLU is committed to shaping the future of education.

A Beacon of Hope for Missouri's Educational Landscape

More than just a financial injection into SLU, this grant symbolizes a strategic investment in the future of education. By recognizing the value of experienced paraprofessionals and providing them with a feasible pathway to becoming licensed teachers, Saint Louis University is pioneering a model that could inspire change across the nation. In the face of Missouri's persistent teacher shortage, this innovative program offers a beacon of hope and a tangible solution to transform the educational landscape.

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