College of Saint Mary Receives State Grant to Address Teacher Shortage

OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary (CSM) was recently awarded a partnership grant by the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) as part of a multi-million-dollar expansion of the Nebraska Teacher Apprentice Program to address the teacher shortage crisis in the state.

The University was awarded $335,000 to fund 20 apprenticeships to educate future teachers who will work in the Archdiocese of Omaha Catholic Schools. CSM will use the funds through its Master of Arts in Teaching program, designed for professionals and aspiring educators with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education.

As part of the “Grow Your Own” Teacher Apprenticeship Program, selected participants will be able to complete their preparation and certification requirements while also being employed full-time by the Archdiocese Omaha Catholic School in a paraprofessional position under the supervision of a mentor teacher.

“College of Saint Mary is honored to receive this grant, which will allow us to further our commitment to preparing skilled and compassionate educators while addressing the teacher shortage in Nebraska,” said Lisa Nelson, PhD, director of teacher education and assistant professor. “This funding will empower our future teachers to make a meaningful impact in Catholic education, enriching students' lives and fostering academic growth across our community.”

Gov. Jim Pillen and the NDE announced the expansion of the Nebraska Teacher Apprentice Program during a press conference on Nov. 6. This groundbreaking initiative was launched in April 2023, following the enactment of LB705, and the NDE utilized a $1 million investment from the Legislature to bolster the recruitment and training of educators across Nebraska earlier this year. The program will now expand with another $6 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Labor.

“The expansion of the Nebraska Teacher Apprenticeship Program is amazing,” Nebraska Commission of Education Brian Maher said. “By fostering strong partnerships between education providers, districts, and now state agencies, we’re not just addressing the immediate need for more teachers; we’re investing in a future where every Nebraska child has access to highly qualified educators committed to their success.”

Pillen also signed a proclamation declaring National Apprenticeship Week beginning Nov. 17.

For more information about CSM’s Master of Arts in Teaching program, visit CSM.edu/MAT.