Western Michigan University has won federal money to help two school systems get more teachers. The grant of nearly five million dollars will help support staff like bus drivers and food service workers get teaching certificates in the Kalamazoo and Benton Harbor schools.
Kalamazoo Superintendent Rita Raichoudhuri says:
"If it is successful, this could serve as a model for school districts across the country," said Raichoudhuri. "In addition to the grant, KPS is providing matching funds to make the Urban Teacher Residency Program a success."
School officials say the program will help address a statewide teacher shortage and encourage more minorities to go into the profession.