$674K grant will be used to train educators

CMN one of six schools in United States to receive grant
By: 
Luke Reimer
Reporter

The College of Menominee Nation learned June 4 that it had been awarded a $674,000 grant from the Early Educator Investment Collaborative (EEIC) to assist students who are looking toward a career in education.

CMN is one of six college in the nation to receive the grant, as well as the only school in the Midwest and also the only tribal school. The five other recipients were in California, Georgia, Washington state, Colorado and Hawaii.

“We feel very fortunate to be one of the six awardees, and it really affirms the importance of the work that we are doing in not only training future teachers but also the importance of early childhood education and the impact that it has on young children,” said Kelli Chelberg, an associate professor in the teacher education department.

According to Chelberg, CMN is a very popular school for education, with more than 70% of all bachelor’s degree graduates having a degree in education.

Receiving the grant is a major step in growing the education department at CMN, Chelberg said. The grant also honors those who are working towards helping to build student’s futures.

“We are honored, and honestly I was in shock when I heard that we were selected,” she said. “This speaks to the commitment of our faculty and the work that we do in the education program.”

Chelberg said that the application process for the grant was very intense. She said CMN was chosen as a recipient of the grant due in part to objectives that were laid out in their application, which included offering an Advanced Certification Elementary (ACE) program, creating a culturally responsive induction program, providing elder coaches and mentors, providing training and providing additional support for students.

One of the other requirements to applying for the grant was there to be a 10% matching fund. CMN is partnering with Wisconsin Early Childhood Associations (WECA) to meet that requirement.

With the money from the grant, Chelberg outlined goals of what was to be accomplished. Similar to the objectives in the application, CMN is planning to provide assistance, recruit students, provide release time and mentor, advise and develop early childhood educators.

Chelberg noted that there has become a growing need for early childhood educators, and even though teaching can be difficult, having the grant in place can be a step toward continuing to growing the CMN education program.

“Education is difficult,” she said. “Kids have different learning styles and personalities. With this grant we want to continue to grow the program and get more of our students on the right track to becoming early childhood educators.”

The education field has become popular at CMN due in part to students wanting to be part of the change in their communities. Chelberg noted that many students who attend CMN have faced cultural barriers and trauma.

“They see the impact on children in their community and we hear from them over and over again how they want to help make a difference by becoming teachers,” said Chelberg.

Chelberg summed up what receiving this grant not only meant to her, but the university and the students as well.

“This validates the hard work of a small tribal school,” said Chelberg. “We can meet the needs of the community. It is an honor. We may be small, but we are mighty.”

lreimer@newmedia-wi.com