The legislature created the Rural School Teacher Talent Pilot Program in the 2017-2019 state budget to try and increase the exposure that teacher candidates and student teachers have working in a rural school with the hope that more new teachers will consider working in a rural school (see Wis. Stat. 115.423).
The grants allow regional Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESAs) to coordinate practicum, student teacher, and internship placements in rural districts. These pre-service candidates may receive a stipend for working in a rural school, and student teachers are eligible to receive either a housing stipend to live in the rural district during student teaching or travel reimbursement if commuting from their campus. For more information, please contact Liz Barbarick at elizabeth.barbarick@dpi.wi.gov.
The Rural School Teacher Talent Pilot Program grant application window is now open. The application deadline is August 22, 2024.