Teacher Recruitment Grant
Reimagining Teacher Education Pipelines
UIndy’s School of Education received a $712,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Education to create a supportive pathway into the teaching profession. The focus of this grant is to partner with surrounding school districts to recruit and retain teachers and establish a positive image of the teaching profession in Marion County.
Grant Goals
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Goal 1. Grow dual credit offerings for students interested in teacher education.
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Goal 2. Provide a week-long summer Teacher Prep Academy on UIndy’s campus for high school juniors and seniors who aspire to become teachers.
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Goal 3. Develop a paid Apprenticeship Program where UIndy Teacher Education candidates have the opportunity to return to their K-12 district to work as a paraprofessional while at the same time completing their college field requirements.
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Goal 4. Establish a positive public image around Marion County’s teaching profession.
Dual Credit
UIndy is expanding our education-specific dual credit offerings in high schools, beginning with our district partners.
We are currently offering an education pathway that includes the following courses:
- EDUC 100: Explorations in Education
- EDUC 203: Psychology of Learning, Development, and Instruction
- EDUC 255: Technology and Student Support Systems
- EDUC 272: Introduction to Learners with Mild Disabilities
OR
ELED 155: Children’s Literature, Appreciating and Incorporating Children’s Literature in Reading and Writing
Teacher Prep Academy
UIndy’s Teacher Prep Academy is a week-long, on-campus summer experience that provides high school students the opportunity to:
- Become more engaged in the practice of teaching
- Earn 3 free dual credit hours of education-specific courses
- Build a community with students interested in the teaching profession
This year’s Teacher Prep Academy will be held June 2 – June 7, 2024 at the University of Indianapolis.
Apprenticeship Program
UIndy Teacher Education candidates have the opportunity to return to K-12 districts to work as paid paraprofessionals while completing their college practicum (field) requirements.
- The student apprentices are partnered with Mentor Teachers within our partnering districts. These Mentor Teachers observe and offer feedback to the apprentices to improve their teaching practices.
- University Supervisors from UIndy support our student apprentices throughout the program by observing and offering feedback on their practicum work.
Testimonials from our Apprenticeship Program
"Going through the apprenticeship program that UIndy has offered I feel that I am better prepared and even more ready for student teaching. I have had the opportunity to build relationships with lots of students as well as the third-grade team at my school. I had multiple opportunities to teach the whole class, work in small groups and tutor an individual student. I am very grateful for this experience and the great team at the school I was placed in. I felt appreciated and a part of the whole team in the school! This is a great opportunity to work, save money and get your schoolwork done!"
“This apprenticeship has really helped me visualize myself in a classroom setting on a daily basis. I feel more comfortable walking into schools and I feel more confident that I am equipped to teach competently and in a way that is engaging and enjoyable for students. Financially, it has taken a very large stress off of my husband and me. I love that I can make money while completing my School of Ed requirements while being in a school getting first-hand daily experience.”
“UIndy has given me the opportunities and experiences to become an engaging, knowledgeable, and confident teacher. I can say that I feel well prepared and assured in my ability as a teacher as I move on to more experiences throughout my life. I have been involved in a diverse amount of classrooms and grade levels that have provided me the chance to seek out my interests as well as become a rounded teacher. Not only have I been given these experiences, but I have been given the opportunities to grow in all aspects that need growing to become the best teacher I can.”
Testimonials from our District Partners
“It has been great to get passionate, dedicated UIndy students in the classroom working with our kids. The kids have really enjoyed it and it is making an impact on their education. I really appreciate working with UIndy to set up the program. They have been especially helpful in organizing all the little details that matter. From schedules to payroll to background checks, UIndy has been flexible and helpful throughout the entire process. We are excited about continuing our work with UIndy in this endeavor.”
Changing the Narrative
The School of Education at UIndy is focused on changing the narrative attached to the education profession and establishing a positive public image around Marion County through a strategic marketing campaign. Our campaign will share the many positive aspects of a career in education and address the misconceptions that are associated with the profession.
Our Partnering Districts
- Avon Community School Corporation
- Beech Grove City Schools
- Christel House Indianapolis
- Clark-Pleasant Community School Corporation
- MSD of Decatur Township
- Franklin Township Community School Corporation
- MSD of Lawrence Township
- MSD of Pike Township
- Southern Hancock County Community School District
- MSD of Warren Township
- MSD of Wayne Township
Interested in learning more?
Contact:
Kelley Carnagua
Teacher Recruitment Grant Project Manager
School of Education
University of Indianapolis
carnaguak@uindy.edu