The St. Joseph School District is strengthening its local educator pipeline through a new partnership with the Missouri Western State University (MWSU) Foundation.
The foundation has contributed a one-time gift of $8,000 to provide supplemental scholarship opportunities for participants in the district’s "Grow Your Own" and "Pathway to Teaching" programs.
The funds are specifically designated for program recipients who choose to enroll at Missouri Western as part of their teacher preparation journey. This collaboration aims to lower financial barriers for aspiring teachers while ensuring that talent remains within the St. Joseph community.
The Grow Your Own Program focuses on students eager to launch a teaching career within the district. Selected participants can receive up to $4,000 annually for four years, along with summer professional development and guaranteed employment upon graduation and certification. In exchange, recipients commit to teaching in the SJSD for one year for every year they receive the scholarship.
For current district staff, the Pathway to Teaching Program offers a route to the classroom for employees who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field. This program provides up to $4,000 per year for two years to cover certification costs at an approved institution. Participants in this track commit to teaching in the district for at least three years following their certification.
Superintendent Ashly McGinnis emphasized that the partnership with MoWest reinforces the district's dedication to "cultivating homegrown educators," noting that these scholarships make the profession more accessible for both students and staff.
MoWest President Elizabeth Kennedy echoed that sentiment, describing the gift as an investment in the region’s future. "By supporting students who are passionate about teaching, we are helping to build a stronger future for our schools and our region," Kennedy said.
For more information on these initiatives, interested candidates can visit the St. Joseph School District website.