Mason City CSD receiving $380K to help address staffing challenges through state apprenticeship program

MASON CITY — The Mason City Community School District is one of 11 school districts statewide that are receiving new grants to help districts create new education careers throughout the state.

Governor Reynolds this morning announced the $3.4 million of funding for the 11 districts as part of the Teacher & Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Program to help develop a greater pipeline of teachers in communities across the state.

The Mason City district will use $380,000 to address both immediate and long-term staffing challenges, providing a pathway for 10 district paraeducators to obtain Iowa teacher licensure in critical areas such as special education, early childhood education, and middle school math.

The district plans to partner with Buena Vista University, with apprentices receiving related training instruction, on-the-job training, and high-quality one-to-one mentorship. Grant funds will be used for tuition and program-related expenses.

See more about today’s awards by heading here