Aspiring educators are encouraged to apply to second cohort of Michigan program aimed at growing teacher pipeline and addressing shortage crisis
MICHIGAN – Golden Apple, a non-profit committed to preparing, supporting and mentoring aspiring teachers, is now accepting applications for the second cohort of its Scholars program in Michigan. The program seeks to provide a pathway for aspiring educators to enter the profession and build the teacher pipeline that will fill crucial open teaching positions across the state. Golden Apple welcomed its inaugural cohort of 35 Michigan Scholars to the program earlier this year.
Michigan continues to face an ongoing teacher shortage, leading to classrooms lacking the effective, qualified educators our students need. According to a January 2024 report from the Education Policy Innovation Collaborative, in the 2022-2023 school year, Michigan schools experienced nearly 1,800 full-time teaching vacancies. The state faces declining enrollment in Educator Preparation Programs, witnessing a 67% drop in enrollment in collegiate education preparation programs since 2008.
“Our inaugural cohort of Scholars in Michigan has inspired and impressed us already; so we want to keep that momentum going as Golden Apple announces we are accepting applications for our next class of Scholars,” said Golden Apple President Alan Mather.
Mather added: “Every student deserves to learn from a well-prepared, passionate teacher and our Scholars Program helps aspiring educators begin their journey to the classroom, while providing the support they need at every step along the way. We encourage all of those looking to make a meaningful difference in their community to apply today!”
Targeted toward high school seniors and freshman and sophomore college students, the Scholars program is a program for aspiring educators that recruits and supports students who commit to earning an education degree and teaching license from a Michigan college or university and teach for five years in a Michigan school-of-need. Scholars receive up to $15,000 in paid summer professional development, extensive classroom teaching experience, academic and social-emotional support, job placement assistance and mentoring from outstanding teachers.
“Michigan continues to face a teacher shortage crisis, depriving students of the classroom experiences they need to thrive,” said Golden Apple Michigan Chief Program Officer Caycee Sledge.
Sledge added: “Golden Apple’s Scholars program helps contribute to the meaningful work being done across the state to build the teacher pipeline, and we’re thrilled to be accepting applications for our second cohort. What makes the Scholars program unique is the hands-on experience and support we provide to future educators, ensuring they are prepared to succeed in the profession long-term. We look forward to hearing from applicants across the state about their passion for shaping the next generation of students in Michigan.”
To learn more and apply, interested parties can visit www.goldenapple.org/scholars-michigan.
###
About Golden Apple
Golden Apple’s mission is to inspire, develop and support teacher and school leader excellence, especially in schools-of-need. Their leading-edge preparation delivers exceptional teachers who make a positive and sustained impact. They aim to help students thrive in the classroom and in life. Since Golden Apple’s beginning, Golden Apple has recognized master educators annually; and, these master educators prepare the future generation of teachers. The Golden Apple vision is one in which every classroom has a great teacher and to realize this, Golden Apple committed to making a material difference in resolving the teacher shortage. Visit www.goldenapple.org for more information.
