SWANSEA — State Senator Christopher Belt joined the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in announcing $1.5 million in funding for the Job Training and Economic Development Teacher Apprenticeship Program, including nearly $500,000 for McKendree University.

“Teachers and paraprofessionals are what make schools valuable, and our students cannot afford to see more declines in the profession,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The JTED Teacher Apprenticeship Program is an amazing approach to recruit future educators. Not only will it help individuals in their professional life, it gives students qualified and reliable educators, too.”

The JTED Teacher Apprenticeship Program is creating pilot programs throughout the state to upscale currently employed paraprofessional educators. Educator preparation providers will lead these pilot programs with partnerships from local education and workforce agencies. McKendree University, located in Belt’s district, is set to receive $499,900 for the program.

Priority populations for the Teacher Apprenticeship Program include under-employed individuals currently employed as paraprofessional educators who are also representative of the student population in terms of race, the district or the cooperative in which they will complete their apprenticeship.

“This grant is a vital part of Illinois’ multi-faceted plan to strengthen the teacher pipeline,” said State Superintendent Dr. Tony Sanders. “Apprenticeship programs break down the barriers that have long kept passionate and dedicated local candidates, such a paraprofessionals, from upskilling into careers in teaching. The experience paraprofessionals gain in their roles make them the ideal candidates to join the teaching profession. We look forward to working with DCEO to develop a nation-leading teacher apprenticeship model.”