SBPS Receives $100,000 grant to address educator shortage

SBPS Receives $100,000 grant to address educator shortage
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Scottsbluff Public Schools is one of just four school districts across the state who is a recipient of the newly created Nebraska Department of Education Educator Pipeline Grant. SBPS received a Tier 2 award for $100,000 to be used for strategies supporting the recruitment, preparation, and retention of teachers, paraprofessionals, education specialists, and leaders. Scottsbluff Public Schools will initiate a multi-pronged strategy to recruit and support the development of educators through the Educator Pipeline Grant. The activities comprising the program feature evidence-based strategies which were selected based on SBPS’ specific talent needs and center around three areas; Recruitment/identification of new teachers, Development of existing SBPS teachers, and Strengthened teacher supports and culture.

"Now, more than ever, with fewer people enrolling in post-secondary educator prep programs, school districts across the country are having to become more thoughtful, creative, and aggressive in their approach to recruit and retain high-quality staff,” said Dr. Andrew Dick, SBPS Superintendent. “By receiving this grant, Scottsbluff Public Schools will be able to enhance our efforts in the areas of mentoring new teachers and expanding our Educators Rising program, while also employing additional strategies, such as providing student teachers a stipend to incentivize them to select SBPS for their experience, and expanding financial incentives for existing staff to pursue advanced degrees." 

A number of the strategies that will be implemented by the District using these funds will utilize educational and community partnerships in order to leverage resources and provide a greater collective impact to the program. SBPS seeks to strengthen partnerships with ESU #13, WNCC, Chadron State College, Scottsbluff Public Schools Foundation, and Twin Cities Development in implementing their plan.

The Nebraska Department of Education awarded $1.5 million in funds to districts, ESUs, higher education, and other organizations to design and implement strategies addressing the teacher, leader, and educator shortage. Funds are available through December 2024.  For more information visit education.nde.gov.