Indianapolis, Indiana, Nov. 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IndyTeach, an innovative teacher certification program created by Christel House Schools has received a $500,000 grant from the Walton Family Foundation it was announced by Carey Dahncke, Christel House Head of Schools. “We are very grateful and appreciative of the Walton Family Foundation for its recognition and financial support of IndyTeach,” says Dahncke. “The Walton Family Foundation understands that urban schools, particularly schools working with an underserved population can face special challenges in recruiting and retaining excellent teachers. IndyTeach is a pathway into teaching for college graduates who have specific content knowledge but did not go to school to become a teacher. Now they can become licensed while earning a paycheck and without having to return to university.”
IndyTeach apprentice teachers work in classrooms with experienced teaching professionals. This hands-on approach and guidance appealed to Clark Wehmeier. After earning degrees in Philosophy and Religious Studies, he considered a law degree. But Wehmeier decided on a different direction. “I always wanted to be involved with teaching. This allows me to enter the workforce and at the same time earn a teaching license after one academic year.”
Four IndyTeach apprentices are part of the first year’s pilot program. More apprentice teachers will be added next year. “Our certification program is unique in that apprentice teachers earn a salary while gaining valuable classroom experience,” says Dahncke. “The Walton Family Foundation’s support gives a critical boost as we pilot this initiative. We hope this model can make a great contribution to the overall teaching profession.”
About Christel House Schools
Established as a public charter school in 2002, Christel House Schools today operates four schools in Indianapolis—Christel House Academy South, serving at-risk students in grades K-12; Christel House Academy West currently serving grades K-5, and two adult high schools, Christel House DORS South and Christel House DORS West. Christel House Schools provides a holistic human development approach that focuses on building strong character to complement each child’s rigorous academic foundation. Through its College & Careers program, Christel House continues to support its graduates through post-secondary education and job placement so they become self-sufficient, contributing members of society. Christel House Academy South was Indiana’s first charter school to receive the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform’s “School to Watch” designation. Additional recognition includes the Indiana Achievement and Breakthrough Schools Awards. It has also been named a 2017 State School of Character by Character.org. For more information, please visit www.chschools.org.
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Attachments:
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a6ac4236-66be-4633-8c4b-a52f6c700df0