The district is one of more than 200 Michigan school districts sharing about $10 million from the Michigan Department of Education to help retain new teachers and administrators.
FERNDALE, Mich. — Ferndale Public Schools has been awarded a mentoring and induction grant from the Michigan Department of Education to support teachers and administrators who are new to the profession.
The Michigan Department of Education announced the awards Monday, Nov. 9. Ferndale is one of more than 200 intermediate school districts, traditional public school districts and public school academies across the state receiving funds through the program, which is supported by Section 27h of the State School Aid Act.
Statewide, about $10 million was awarded. Nearly $8.5 million supports mentoring and induction programs for new teachers, and $1.5 million helps 118 districts contract with approved providers of mentoring services for new administrators.
Districts can use the funding for mentor stipends and training, books and materials, professional learning, and staff time spent mentoring and onboarding new teachers. In Ferndale, the grant will support mentoring for building administrators, providing new teacher onboarding and training and support for mentors of new teachers.
“New teachers do their best work when they have someone in their corner,” said Superintendent Camille Hibbler. “This grant helps us pair our newest educators with experienced colleagues who can coach them, answer their questions and help them grow, so they stay in Ferndale and our students benefit from that experience year after year.”
The state ties the program to retaining effective educators and to Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, which includes a goal of increasing the number of certified teachers in shortage areas.
State Board of Education President Pamela Pugh said districts receiving the grants have shown they are committed to strengthening the skills of new teachers and administrators and keeping them in the profession by having them learn from more experienced educators.
About Ferndale Public Schools
Founded in 1887, Ferndale Public Schools serves approximately 3,100 students from the communities of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township and portions of Hazel Park. The district provides a comprehensive educational experience from early childhood through high school, offering rigorous academics, innovative learning opportunities, award-winning arts and athletics, career and technical education, and comprehensive social-emotional supports. Recognized for its commitment to equity, inclusion and student-centered learning, Ferndale Public Schools empowers every student to discover their potential, achieve academic success and become engaged members of their communities.
To learn more about Ferndale Public Schools, visit the website. To stay up to date on district news, events and announcements, visit the News page.