INDIANAPOLIS — Right now, in Indiana alone, there are more than 2,000 teaching positions open.
A local nonprofit here in Indianapolis is helping to fill the gap.
The 3000 block of North Meridian is where future educators are getting their start through a new apprenticeship program through Family Development Services.
It gives them the opportunity to get classroom experience while also getting their education.
“It means the world to me. I’m grateful for this opportunity,” said Jadra Flowers, an apprentice.
In just a few days, Flowers will welcome pre-school students into her classroom for the first time.
“Being a teacher is something that I’ve always wanted to do, so this was just the perfect opportunity for me to get back on track and accomplish my goals,” Flowers said.
Through Family Development Services, Flowers is able to become an apprentice, getting her education and classroom experience — all while making a livable wage.
“We’re helping to grow children but were helping to grow also the employee,” said Kim Rhodes, executive director for FDS.
Rhodes said creating the apprenticeship was a no-brainer.
“We have waiting lists of children waiting to get into our program, but we cannot serve them if we don’t have the staff,” Rhodes said. “We’re trying to break down barriers."
Once someone completes their education, they are committed to two years with FDS.
Flowers said once she’s done with her apprenticeship she wants to continue to grow with the company.
“I’ve put off going to school for several years and then I had the opportunity to join the apprenticeship and when it was presented, I thought it was such a great opportunity for me to go back to school and accomplish my goals and just do something to make my daughter proud,” Flowers said.
More information on the program is available onlineand by calling 317-803-3803.
-
Judge pauses Trump administration's plans for mass layoffs at CFPB
A federal judge who blocked the Trump administration from dismantling the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has ruled that the agency can't go forward immediately with plans to mass fire employees.
Senate Bill aimed at various education matters gets support from Indy families
A Senate bill working its way through the statehouse right now could potentially give thousands of students better access to transportation.
Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Cece Winans bring Christmas Tour to Fishers
The Fishers Event Center announced on Friday that Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Cece Winans are making a stop in Fishers for their Christmas Together Tour.
Chinese manufacturers are enticing Americans to buy from them amid the trade war
Chinese manufacturers urge shoppers to "cut out the middleman"— meaning e-commerce sites like Temu and Amazon — and "buy direct" from their warehouses. But experts warn it's not that simple.
