Grow Your Own Illinois Expands in Northern and Central Illinois
GYO-IL Expands Teacher Pipeline Through New Consortia Sites
GYO-Illinois Consortia Sites (new and existing)
April 30, 2024
GYO-IL is doubling down on efforts to address teacher shortages in Illinois by expanding its Forgivable Loan Program in central and northern parts of the state.
The University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) has been awarded a $145,000 GYO-IL grant to develop a Central Illinois regional consortium. Beginning in fall 2024, the grant will fund up to $25,000 for each candidate. After graduating with their license, each candidate commits to teaching for five years in either the Springfield or Decatur school districts.
In addition to UIS, the Central Illinois consortium includes Richland Community College, Springfield District 186, Decatur District 61, the Decatur Paraprofessional Union, and the Springfield Urban League. Beyond the forgivable tuition loans, participating teacher candidates will receive wraparound services such as stipends for transportation expenses, technology resources, and a summer bridge program.
Meanwhile, with a GYO-IL Northern consortium grant, Northern Illinois University (NIU) and Rockford Public Schools (RPS) are partnering on an accelerated elementary education licensure program. RPS and NIU have engaged two community partners, the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and the Wabongo Leadership Council, to assist in this work. Up to 25 RPS paraprofessionals and support staff will be able to earn their teaching licenses through the two-year evening program at NIU's Rockford campus while continuing to work for RPS.
RPS will cover the candidates' tuition at NIU through a state Teacher Vacancy Grant, while GYO-IL will provide funding for staffing, prerequisite courses at Rock Valley College, laptop computers, and transportation stipends. Participating teacher candidates will begin course work this summer.