Northwest R-I School District Receives $10,000 "Grow Your Own Teachers" Grant

Northwest R-I School District Receives $10,000 "Grow Your Own Teachers" Grant

The Northwest R-I School District was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to help with expenses related to the “Grow Your Own Teachers” program, which has been in existence in the district since the 2022-23 school year. 

The program includes a Future Teachers club and a Future Teachers course offered for either high school elective credit or dual high school and college credit through Jefferson College to students that intend to pursue careers in the field of education. As part of the program, Northwest graduates who become certified teachers will be guaranteed a job interview if they apply for a position with the district.

“We are truly grateful for the privilege of being awarded this grant, which will not only provide our students with a valuable advantage as they pursue careers in education but also empower them to return to our community and the Northwest district to continue to inspire future generations of Lions,” said Amy Martin, instructional coordinator and head of the program. 

Grant funds will be used to cover stipends and substitute fees for field trips and events, field trip fees for students, transportation and snacks for the field trips, starting an “Educator’s Rising” chapter at Northwest, and scholarships for graduating seniors.