ESEA--No Child Left Behind Act
Title II, Part C - Transition to Teaching - Wisconsin's SMARTT Project

A project to recruit, train, and retain 100 math, science, and special education teachers

Introduction: The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) received a $2.2 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to train 100 mathematics, science and special education teachers through Wisconsin's state approved Alternative Route Educator Preparation Programs. The goal of the initiative is to improve both the quantity and quality of the teaching force throughout the schools in the participating local education agencies (LEAs). The Support for Mid-Career Advancement and Retention through Transition-to-Teaching (SMARTT) Project targets mid-career professionals, paraprofessionals, recent college graduates, and honorably discharged military personnel. Individuals must already have a bachelors degree, but not a teaching license.

Wisconsin Partnering School Districts/LEAs: Fifteen partnering school districts, in high-need geographic areas of the state, will benefit from the equitable distribution of highly qualified teachers. Partnering LEAs include: Augusta, Bayfield, Beloit, Bowler, Cashton, Chequamegon (Glidden/Park Falls), Clayton, Crandon, Drummond Area, Flambeau, Granton Area, Kickapoo, Ladysmith, Menominee Indian, North Crawford, Northwood, Norwalk-Ontario-Wilton, Prentice, Racine, Royal, Wausaukee, and Weston school districts.

Recruitment: This project offers an accelerated route into the classroom for career changers and recent college graduates who have subject matter expertise but no formal teacher preparation course work or training. DPI actively seeks and welcomes high quality candidates to consider an alternative route to becoming a classroom math, science, or special education teacher. Candidates who are accepted and enroll in this project typically complete the program within 1 to 2 years. Graduates from this project are required to teach in any of the partner LEAs listed above for at least 3 years. The project offers tuition assistance and a $5,000 incentive to all participants who obtain Wisconsin licensure and fulfill the 3 year teaching commitment. Interested candidates should review the resources links and apply today using the SMARTT Pre-screening Form link below.

Resources:

• Wisconsin SMARTT Brochure
• Information on Alternative Route Program Providers
• Map of SMARTT Project High-Need LEA Partners
• SMARTT Pre-screening Form

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For questions about this information, contact Eyvonne Crawford-Gray (608) 266-3155

Last updated on 1/31/2012 2:02:18 PM