Springfield, Mo., October 25, 2023 – Drury University education students will soon have additional scholarship opportunities at the Drury GO Monett campus. The $70,000 grant is part of the Missouri DEWEY (Developing an Educator Workforce that Expands Yearly) awards. The DEWEY awards offer a chance for 2-year institutions and certification-recommending institutions to receive financial support for innovative initiatives aimed at recruiting and retaining teacher candidates in Missouri where local school districts are typically under-resourced or from groups whose representation in the Missouri teacher corps is significantly disproportionate relative to the state’s school-age population.
This award will provide scholarships to twelve students in Drury’s bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, which launched at the Monett campus in August. It will also help fund recruitment materials and events to promote the program.
“With a substantial teacher shortage in Missouri, we are thrilled about this grant and its potential to enhance accessibility to education for aspiring teachers,” said Dr. Natalie Precise, Dean of Drury’s School of Education and Child Development. “These scholarships are designed for students managing family and community responsibilities, enabling them to work during the day and pursue their degrees through evening and online courses at our Monett Campus. This flexibility ensures they can balance their commitments while advancing their education.”
Drury GO Monett’s Elementary Education program works closely with the Monett R-1 School District, partnering to recruit Monett high school students interested in a teaching career.
“The partnership has facilitated campus visits, giving staff and students from Monett R-1 School District the chance to experience the academic environment at Drury University, fostering a sense of aspiration and ambition,” said Dr. Melissa Huff Assistant Superintendent. “The partnership stands as a model for the powerful positive change that can be achieved when educational institutions come together to invest in the future of their students and communities.”
Students can apply for scholarships in spring 2024.
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Jasmine Cooper, Executive Director of University Communications and Media Relations, Office: (417) 873-7390, Email: JCooper020@drury.edu
