TSC receives $225k grant to help fund program geared toward teacher recruitment, retention

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Tippecanoe School Corp. has been awarded the 2024 Excellence in Leading and Learning Award by the Indiana Department of Education, providing the corporation with a grant of nearly $225,000, according to a news release.

The award recognizes a school corporation that provides professional learning support for educators, including efforts that enhance recruitment and retention. Tippecanoe schools will use the grant money to enhance its Supporting Educators Entering District Service (SEEDS) program, according to the release.

Superintendent Scott Hanback said the SEEDS program was intentionally developed as a sustainable support system for new hires joining the district to influence their start with the schools in a positive way.

“TSC is thrilled to be recognized by the IDOE ...,” Hanback said. “The TSC is focused on not only attracting, but retaining the best teachers for our students in our classrooms across the corporation."

The grant money will help fund staffing for SEEDS, according to the release, including a pilot program to have SEEDS teacher leaders at each of the TSC’s 19 buildings. Other funds will cover the cost of professional development for new teachers and the purchase of supplies and resource materials.

“This program gives me the privilege of loving our new educators daily, which might take the shape of encouragement for one teacher or practical assistance for another or a guest lesson that provides respite for yet another,” SEEDS director Kathy Nimmer said. “The funds from this award are simultaneously an affirmation of what we’ve done in SEEDS and also what the teachers joining us will continue to receive as they step into this challenging and beautiful profession.”

Jillian Ellison is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. She can be reached by email at jellison@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @ellison_writes.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: TSC receives $225k grant to help fund program geared toward teacher recruitment, retention