COLUMBIA, Tenn. – The road to teacher certification in Maury County just got a lot easier, thanks to a partnership between Maury County Public Schools (MCPS) and the Youth Educational Foundation (YEF). The Tennessee educator preparation program through iteach, allows individuals to become a teacher without a traditional education degree. MCPS and YEF are offering up to 40 iteach scholarships, worth a total combined value of up to $112,000 to qualified Maury County Public Schools employees that desire to become a teacher.

iteach is a nationally recognized job embedded program that allows an individual with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, a minimum 2.5 GPA, and meets certain criteria set by the state of Tennessee to become a teacher. Individuals can take the program before becoming a teacher or can complete it after obtaining a teaching role with Maury County Public Schools while going through the online program (working on a permitted status through the state of Tennessee).

“This inclusive and affordable pathway towards a teaching certification makes it accessible to any Maury County Public Schools employee who aspires to positively impact the world through education,” said Maury County Public Schools Superintendent, Lisa Ventura. “Teachers are leaders, mentors, and role models. They don’t just prepare students for tests – they prepare them for life.  We are so appreciative of YEF’s willingness to invest in Maury County Public Schools.”

“YEF is proud to partner with MCPS to bring up to 40 newly certified teachers into Maury County Public Schools classrooms,” said YEF Chair, Renee Adams. “We are grateful to our donors for enabling the organization to make this historic investment in the community’s future. We understand the importance of having motivated, qualified, and caring teachers in the classroom. Scholarship recipients will have received recommendations from their principals and committed to at least three years of service with MCPS.  We look forward to the positive impact this will have on Maury County Public Schools students and to strengthening our partnership with MCPS.”

To apply, please visit iteach’s website.