FAMU is set to receive a $500,000 grant from the Florida Department of Education (FL DOE) to support a vital apprenticeship program aimed at addressing the state’s growing teacher shortage. This funding is part of a larger $5 million initiative known as the Pathways to Career Opportunities Grow Your Own Teacher Grant, which is intended to cultivate new educators across Florida.
The FL DOE has identified a pressing need for teachers, projecting up to 10,000 vacancies statewide for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. In response, FAMU’s program will focus specifically on elementary education, placing education students in classroom apprenticeships to gain hands-on experience in Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Madison Counties. This is the second consecutive year that FAMU has been awarded this grant.
Sarah Price, Dean of the FAMU College of Education, emphasized the importance of these apprenticeships. “These full-time para-educator roles not only help our students earn their degrees but also enhance the apprenticeship pipeline for teacher education. This initiative strengthens our relationships with local schools regarding student placements,” she stated.
Current education student Errion Robinson, who is nearing graduation, underscored the significance of the apprenticeship experience. Although she no longer qualifies for the program, she believes that working full-time in a classroom while studying is invaluable. “If I had the opportunity to actually be in the classroom and perform my future job, I would feel more prepared and knowledgeable about what to expect,” Robinson shared.
The overarching goal of the apprenticeship program is to invest in aspiring educators. “The whole goal is you work for me, I’m investing in you, you’re getting your Bachelor’s Degree, and I want you to stay here and be employed with me for Exceptional Student Education (ESE),” Dr. Price added.
As the state grapples with a critical teacher shortage, FAMU’s targeted approach through this grant aims not only to prepare future educators but also to ensure that students have the practical experience necessary to thrive in their teaching careers. The collaboration between FAMU and local school districts reflects a commitment to building a sustainable workforce that can meet the educational needs of Florida’s children.