By WKTV Staff
Kentwood Public Schools (KPS) is the recent recipient of two grants awarded by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) to support its innovative Grow Your Own programs for teacher education and certification.
KPS is among only 18 districts in Michigan to receive grant funding to support eligible teachers
to pursue National Board Certification for the first time. The $6,600 grant will assist veteran
teachers in achieving the esteemed National Board Certification credentials.
Additionally, Kentwood Public Schools has been selected by the MDE as one of 25 recipients of
the Future Proud Michigan Educator EXPLORE grants. These funds will support students
interested in careers in education, particularly those at East Kentwood High School who are
part of the successful Educators Rising program. This program provides high school students
with early training and real-world experiences in the education profession.
“Our district is greatly appreciative of these funds, which will support both established teachers
in the classroom and future educators who are talented, thoughtful, and enthusiastic students
at East Kentwood High School,” said Debbie Schuitema, Kentwood Public Schools Director of
New Teacher Development and Curriculum. “These students have bright futures in our
classrooms of tomorrow.”
Schuitema also emphasized how these grants align with the district’s goals. “One goal in our
district’s strategic plan is to recruit and retain high-impact staff members who are committed
to serving the students and families of Kentwood, particularly staff who are reflective of our
community diversity,” she added. “These funds will be helpful in achieving this goal.”
For further details, please contact Tim Hargis, Kentwood Public Schools Director of
Communications.
