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MILLIGAN COLLEGE, Tenn. (May 9, 2019) — Milligan College’s area of education has been awarded a Diversity in Teaching Grant by Tennessee’s Higher Education Commission (THEC).
THEC’s Diversity in Teaching Grant provides funds to Tennessee colleges and universities for the development of programs that increase the number of K-12 teachers in Tennessee from underrepresented groups.
“The advancement of diversity is important to Milligan and plays an integral role in Milligan’s educator preparation program,” said Milligan President Dr. Bill Greer. “We are grateful for THEC’s support of Milligan’s commitment to increase the number of educators from diverse backgrounds in our region and state.”
Beginning in fall 2019, Milligan’s area of education will utilize this grant to fund the program’s Advancing Diversity in Tennessee Schools (ADTS) Scholarship Program, which will provide candidates with financial assistance covering up to 40 percent of the cost of tuition, instructional materials and licensure fees. Prospective candidates include students pursuing a master’s degree in education or students who can complete an undergraduate licensure program within two years. Candidates in the ADTS scholarship program will pursue the English as a Second Language dual endorsement with K-5, middle grades, secondary or K-12 licensure.
As part of the scholarship, candidates will meet monthly with a faculty adviser, receive extensive preparation for Praxis and edTPA exams, and meet collectively as a cohort for guest speakers. For field practicum and student teaching experiences, candidates will be connected with teachers who have a history of effectiveness with K-12 students from underrepresented groups.
“Increasing teacher diversity within schools creates a better learning environment for all students,” said Dr. Angela Hilton-Prillhart, area chair of education. “Educators graduating from Milligan’s ADTS scholarship program will be prepared to deliver culturally responsive instruction, as this is embedded in the coursework and field experience.”
Through the scholarship program, Milligan aims to prepare candidates from underrepresented groups who are committed to diversity as an instructional tool and who plan to teach in Tennessee schools for at least two years following graduation. These educators are highly sought by regional school systems, including Milligan’s two partner districts for the grant, Elizabethton City Schools and Johnson City Schools, both of which have a lower percentage of teachers from underrepresented groups compared with the diversity of their student populations.
“As a district, Johnson City Schools are devoted to promoting cultural competence within its teaching staff,” said Dr. Robbie Anderson, director of accountability and school improvement for Johnson City Schools. “Our district is aware of the dedication of the Milligan faculty to instill in their students a devotion to diversity, and Milligan’s use of the Diversity in Teaching Grant will help increase the number of teachers from diverse backgrounds entering the teaching profession in our area.”
For more information, visit www.milligan.edu/ADTS or contact Melissa Dillow at 423.461.8306 or MSDillow@milligan.edu.