West Michigan Teacher Collaborative Celebrates More than 50 New Teachers
West Michigan Teacher Collaborative Celebrates More than 50 New Teachers, 10 in Special Education
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – During Educator Appreciation Week May 4 – 9, Kent ISD along with Ottawa Area ISD and Muskegon Area ISD are celebrating more than 50 newly certified teachers who completed the West Michigan Teacher Collaborative (WMTC) program. This program removes barriers and creates opportunities for individuals to earn teacher certification through an accelerated program at Grand Valley State University
At a spring event at The Big Room, 53 cohort members who earned their initial teacher certification were honored, along with 34 members and current teachers who completed advanced degrees and endorsement programs through WMTC.
“WMTC is more than a pathway to teacher certification, it is a professional community that supports its members from the moment they are accepted all the way through their first years in the classroom,” said Mary Kay Murphy, Executive Director, West Michigan Teacher Collaborative. “What you see is the result of a region that believes in its own people and is committed to building the next generation of excellent West Michigan teachers. We are incredibly proud of every member.”
“When I came across the West Michigan Teacher Collaborative, it honestly felt like a long shot,” said Heather Wood-Gramza, a WMTC Resident and newly certified elementary teacher. “But what I found wasn’t just a certification pathway; I found a community
West Michigan Teacher Collaborative is currently accepting applications for its Residency program. This program is designed for individuals with bachelor’s degrees who have a strong desire to teach in West Michigan. The Residency includes student teaching in a public school and a stipend of up to $20,000. Tuition, books and fees are waived for program participants. Apply at teachwestmichigan.org.
West Michigan Teacher Collaborative is made possible through funding from the Proud Future MI Educator Grant and the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity in partnership with GVSU, Kent, Ottawa Area and Muskegon Area ISDs and 40 local public school districts.
Please direct media inquiries to:
- Joy Walczak, Kent ISD Communications Specialist, joywalczak@kentisd.org or 906.632.6290.
- Ben Kalb, Muskegon Area ISD Director of Communications, bkalb@muskegonisd.org or 231.767.7263 or 720.899.1529
- Michelle Ready, Ottawa Area ISD Associate Superintendent of Communications and Integrated Marketing, mready@oaisd.org or 616.738.8940 x 4093
About Kent ISD
Kent ISD is a regional educational service agency devoted to achievement for all students. We provide instructional and administrative services to more than 300 schools, 20 public districts, three non-public districts, and many public school academies and non-public schools within our boundaries. We serve the broader community by helping our schools prepare nearly 102,000 students for school and life success.
The Muskegon Area Intermediate School District (MAISD) is an educational service agency dedicated to fostering the growth and enrichment of the entire Muskegon community. Through a range of programs, from early childhood education to career technical training, they touch lives across various age groups. MAISD emphasizes the importance of quality education, collaboration with local school districts, and preparing students for a bright future
About Ottawa Area ISD
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District works collaboratively with schools and communities to meet the educational needs of students of all ages in the Ottawa area. By pooling resources and providing services regionally, Ottawa Area ISD provides important programs and services to local K‐12 school districts, charter, parochial and private schools and adults in the most cost‐effective ways possible.
