Southeast Missouri State University receives $70,000 DEWEY Award

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI)- Southeast Missouri State University has been selected to receive the prestigious 2024 Developing an Educator Workforce that Expands Yearly (DEWEY) Award, totaling $70,000.

This award will support the university’s efforts to recruit and retain future educators, addressing the growing need for qualified teachers in the region.

The funds will be allocated to three key initiatives. Support for Student Teachers will provide 150 student teachers with a $270 stipend to alleviate financial burdens associated with hands-on training, ensuring more candidates complete their training.

Pathway for Paraprofessionals will receive a portion of the funds to help current paraprofessionals transition into fully certified teaching roles in special education, strengthening the teacher pipeline.

These individuals will receive a $3,500 scholarship.

The remaining funds will support SEMO’s Fourth Annual Future Teacher Day event, engaging high school students interested in pursuing education careers.

This event inspires the next generation of teachers and connects them to the university’s teacher preparation programs.

Dr. Buddy Alberson, associate dean of Educator Preparation, expressed excitement about the award, emphasizing that students are the top priority. “The Office of Educator Preparation will continue to find ways to help educator preparation students become the best educators they can be.”

For more information on SEMO’s educator preparation programs, visit their website.