Harper Creek highlights Grow Your Own program after state grant funds staff retraining

Tammy Chapman introduced graduates and participants in Harper Creek Community Schools’ Grow Your Own program at the board meeting on Dec. 9, reporting the district received a Grow Your Own grant to help staff earn teaching credentials and endorsements.

“Harper Creek received $3,600,000 in a grant called Grow Your Own to help our staff go back to school and either earn an initial endorsement, a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate, or add an endorsement and get a master’s degree,” Chapman said.

Chapman said the program launched in fall 2023. She told the board that 30 staff members are now participating districtwide: 10 teachers pursuing master’s degrees (including endorsements in areas cited such as autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities and English learner supports), two substitutes pursuing master’s degrees, and 18 staff members (paraprofessionals, substitute teachers and a secretary) working toward bachelor’s degrees and initial teaching certificates. Chapman introduced three members of the program’s first graduating class who were present to be recognized: Alex Decker, Jennifer Fry and Melinda Forrest. Participants thanked Western Michigan University and Harper Creek for the opportunity and said the program made graduate study affordable.

Board members presented congratulatory letters and called the graduates’ completion a positive step toward building district staffing capacity.

The presentation was informational and ceremonial; no board action was required. Chapman credited the Michigan Department of Education, Western Michigan University and district leadership for making the grant and program possible.