M-DCPS Receives $9.5 Million USDOE Teacher Quality Grant to Enhance Teacher Training and Recruitment via Edu-PARTNERS

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) has been awarded a $9.5 million, five-year grant by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) to enhance training for all prospective teachers and their mentors through a partnership with Miami Dade College (MDC).

As the third largest school district in the country, M-DCPS consistently seeks to hire diverse talent to address the challenges in attracting and retaining qualified educators, particularly for high-needs schools. These teachers ensure that our vibrant student population receives an “A-rated” quality education and instruction.

Thanks to this USDOE grant and the partnership with MDC, the District will be able to launch Edu-PARTNERS, an M-DCPS program aimed at hiring more quality teachers and create a pipeline that addresses the critical needs in teacher recruitment and support. These efforts will ultimately improve student achievement in all areas of teaching.

Edu-PARTNERS directly addresses these challenges by: 

·        Enhancing recruitment strategies: The program focuses on attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about teaching and committed to serving the unique needs of M-DCPS students. 

·        Providing affordable pathways: Through scholarships and financial support, Edu-PARTNERS makes teacher preparation accessible to a broader range of individuals. 

·        Strengthening clinical experiences: Pre-service teachers will gain valuable hands-on experience through a year-long, rigorous clinical program aligned with best practices in teacher education. 

The Edu-PARTNERS acronym reflects the program's comprehensive approach.

·       Preparation through innovative teacher preparation programs to ensure graduates are well-equipped for the modern classroom. 

·       Apprenticeship opportunities that combine coursework with paid on-the-job training. 

·       Residency that provides an immersive, year-long program in high-needs schools with experienced mentors. 

·       Teaching in a way that supports new educators in their first two years through a structured mentoring program and ongoing professional learning opportunities. 

Due to strategic partnerships and grant opportunities, M-DCPS is your best choice, offering innovative ways to attract, hire, develop and retain high-quality teachers who provide our students the world-class education they deserve.

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