APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR GOLDEN APPLE’S SCHOLARS TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM

 

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR GOLDEN APPLE’S SCHOLARS TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM 

Aspiring educators encouraged to apply to program aimed at growing Illinois’ teacher pipeline and addressing shortage crisis 

ILLINOIS -- Golden Apple, a non-profit committed to preparing, supporting and mentoring aspiring teachers, is now accepting applications for its Scholars program. Golden Apple seeks to provide a pathway for aspiring educators to enter the profession through this program to build the teacher pipeline that will fill crucial open teaching positions across the state.  

Illinois faces an ongoing teacher shortage crisis, leading to classrooms lacking the highly-effective, well-qualified educators our students deserve. According to the 2022 - 2023 Educator Shortage Report from the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents, 79% of school districts statewide reported having a teacher shortage problem in 2022, with more than 2700 open teacher, special education, and support staff positions remaining unfilled or filled with someone less than qualified. The teacher shortage crisis leads to teacher burnout, overcrowded classrooms, and a lack of educators in areas such as bilingual and special education and STEM. 

“Opening applications for our Scholars program is always an exciting time for Golden Apple, but it’s particularly meaningful this year as we look to welcome the largest class of Scholars in the program’s decades-long history,” said Golden Apple President Alan Mather. “There are so many looking for a way to make a difference in the lives of future generations who just need the support to get into the classroom. Providing that support is exactly what the Golden Apple’s Scholars program does, and we encourage all of those interested in teaching to apply. We look forward to hearing from inspiring future educators from all across our state!” 

The Scholars program focuses on teacher preparation and tuition assistance for high school seniors as well as freshman and sophomore college students in Illinois who have the determination and drive to teach. Scholars receive up to $23,000 in financial assistance, extensive classroom teaching experience, academic and social-emotional support, job placement assistance and mentoring from Golden Apple’s award-winning teachers. Throughout the history of the program, 53% of Golden Apple Scholars have been Scholars of color and 97% of Scholars find employment within 90 days of graduation. 

To learn more and apply, interested parties can visit www.goldenapple.org/scholars.  

  

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