UNC awarded grant to boost recruitment in rural educators

The Colorado Department of Education awarded UNC a $50,000 grant on January 29 to aid in the recruitment of rural educators.

For many rural schools, finding qualified teachers is difficult – salaries can start under $35,000, and most candidates might not even consider applying as the cost of living can be too high.

Two assistant professors from the educational leadership and policy studies program will collaborate with the East Central and Northwest Boards of Cooperating Education Services to develop rural leader learning communities.

Together, they will create professional development opportunities for teacher mentors to support new teachers, among other things.

The grant, which was also awarded to a few other universities in the state, was administered in tandem with the Colorado Center for Rural Education (which is housed at UNC).