The Chillicothe R-II School District is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a grant of $403,000 from the Patterson Family Foundation to implement an innovative Grow Your Own Teacher program. This initiative aims to support students aspiring to become teachers in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade.
Melissa Young, Chillicothe R-II School District's Director of Student Support Services and Educational Technology, has worked tirelessly this spring to complete the application for this funding. The grant will allow the district to expand its existing Grow Your Own Teacher initiative into a regional Teaching Pathways Program, serving 15 rural high schools across seven counties in north central Missouri through the Grand River Technical School.
Recent enrollment data indicates that the Early Childhood Professions program is currently over capacity, highlighting the need for additional coursework for students interested in teaching beyond early childhood education. The expanded program will address the chronic shortage of educators in rural areas by establishing a place-based teacher pipeline from high school through certification, enabling students to remain in their home communities.
The program is anticipated to be housed at Chillicothe Elementary School, allowing Grand River Technical Students to receive credit for their participation.
"We are excited about the opportunities this grant will create for our students and the community," said Dr. Dan Wiebers, Chillicothe R-II School District Superintendent. "This funding will help us cultivate the next generation of educators and strengthen our local schools."
Further details about the program will be shared as they become available. The Chillicothe R-II School District is grateful to the Patterson Family Foundation for their support and commitment to education in our region.