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Harper Creek highlights 'Grow Your Own' grant as 30 staff pursue teaching credentials
Summary
Harper Creek officials celebrated 30 district staff participating in a Grow Your Own program supported by a $3.6 million Michigan grant; several participants will graduate this weekend through a partnership with Western Michigan University.
The Harper Creek Board of Education on Dec. 9 recognized staff participating in the district’s Grow Your Own program, funded by a $3,600,000 grant to help employees earn teaching certificates, endorsements or graduate degrees.
Tammy Chapman, who led the district’s effort, said the program expanded from 19 participants at launch in fall 2023 to 30 staff members pursuing degrees or endorsements. Chapman told the board the grant supports staff who are earning initial teaching certificates, adding endorsements such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or English learners endorsements, or pursuing master's degrees.
Participants said the program made further education possible. One district substitute said Chapman encouraged her to enroll and that she will walk on Saturday at Miller Auditorium to receive her master’s in elementary education through Western Michigan University. Another participant, Mindy Forrest, said she will graduate with a master’s in ASD and that the program enabled her to afford study she otherwise could not.
Superintendent Ridgeway and board members congratulated the graduates and credited Chapman and partner institutions for the district’s investment in staffing. The board presented congratulatory letters to the participants and noted the program's role in strengthening the district’s pipeline of licensed teachers.
The board took no formal action on the program at the meeting; participants will be recognized in an upcoming ceremony and the district plans continued implementation and support for Grow Your Own cohorts.
