Grand Rapids — Museum High School senior Evelinn Duncan comes from a long line of teachers, therapists and school counselors, and says jobs in education are “very rewarding.”
Next fall, Evelinn will follow in her family’s footsteps down the road to becoming a certified teacher with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Michigan State University — at zero cost.
She is one of 15 Grand Rapids Public Schools seniors who are currently dual-enrolled at MSU and taking entry-level classes two days a week at Innovation Central High School, as part of the inaugural Grand Rapids Community Teachers Initiative cohort.
‘When I heard the program had no cost, I said ‘Sign me up. … It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.’
— future teacher Araceli Godoy, Grand Rapids Learning Center senior
Students completed an extensive application, where they shared why they want to pursue a career in education.
The initiative is completely funded by an anonymous donor. Superintendent Leadriane Roby said it will serve as a foundation for nurturing aspiring teachers from GRPS.
“This is an opportunity to create a teacher pipeline at no cost to our scholars,” Roby said. “It will help break down barriers and open doors for our families. … Together, we’re not just growing teachers; we’re nurturing the roots of our community’s educational legacy.”
After graduating from high school, the 15 students can attend MSU for four years or enroll at Grand Rapids Community College, then transfer to MSU. Tuition, room and board and other fees are covered.
While completing MSU’s Teacher Preparation Program, participants will intern in their hometown district. As long as students keep their grades in good standing, they will receive full-time teaching offers at GRPS following graduation.
“One of the biggest challenges facing us today is the teacher shortage, and I am so very excited that we are ensuring at GRPS that all of our scholars have a path to success for life,” Roby said. “We are laser-focused on cultivating the next generation of dedicated teachers right here in Grand Rapids.”
Jerlando Jackson, MSU’s dean of the College of Education, said the collaboration will give students “a world-class education. We are proud, thankful for and excited about this program and look forward to its transformational outcomes.”
When she becomes a certified teacher, Evelinn hopes to return to a GRPS school that positively impacted her K-12 experience.
“I went to Grand Rapids Montessori Children’s House, and I just remember the experience being so amazing,” she said. “I want to go back there and … love helping little kids come out of their shells.”
Araceli Godoy, a senior at Grand Rapids Learning Center, said her dream job at GRPS would be teaching freshman English-language learner students at Union High School.
“I want to see more diverse teachers, more bilingual teachers and take down that language barrier,” she said.
Thanks to the Community Teacher Initiative, Araceli said the weight has been lifted off her shoulders about paying for college.
“When I heard the program had no cost, I said ‘Sign me up,’” she said. “I always wanted to go to MSU, but it’s expensive. … This program is the best thing to ever happen; it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Read more from Grand Rapids:
• ‘A lot of heart’ awaits students at renovated Innovation Central
• Former globe-trotting researcher approaches post with curiosity and humility
