Teach Here
A Model to Attract, Prepare, and Retain Educators in Michigan
Teach Here is an innovative, community-based pilot designed to strengthen the regional teacher pipeline by recruiting, preparing, and retaining local educators. Developed in partnership with KConnect, West Michigan Teacher Collaborative, and Grand Valley State University, the pilot addresses urgent educator shortages while advancing long-term strategies for economic mobility through workforce development.
About the Initiative
The Teach Here pilot addresses barriers that fall outside the scope of traditional certification programs and district grow-your-own efforts. The model is designed for educators committed to high-need fields such as STEM, Special Education, and Foreign Language, and includes:
Free certification pathways via Michigan’s higher education partners
Full-time classroom employment during training
$8,000 relocation stipends for candidates moving to Michigan
Mentorship and service-learning embedded in a cohort-based structure
Up to $20,000 living stipends during certification
Wraparound support through KConnect’s partner network including housing navigation, childcare, food access, and mental health care.
How We’re Measuring Success
KConnect’s data infrastructure and experience with systems alignment will ensure the Teach Here pilot is grounded in measurable outcomes. Disaggregated data will be used to guide continuous improvement, and partners will convene regularly to refine the model and assess its impact on both students and aspiring educators. Success will be measured through outcomes such as:
Placing 20+ educators per regional cohort across Michigan
Achieving 100% certification completion
Retaining 80%+ of participants in the field for at least 2 years
Why It Matters
This pilot initiative addresses the urgent educator shortage in several West Michigan counties while unlocking pathways to economic mobility for individuals from underrepresented communities. When students are taught by educators who share their cultural background, academic outcomes, engagement, and long-term success improve. At the same time, the teaching profession offers a stable, financially sustaining career that can uplift communities. By investing in local talent, Teach Here creates a dual impact: better outcomes for students and expanded economic opportunity for families.
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