Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 launched a “Grow Our Own” Future Teacher Program in 2021 to encourage current high school students to become educators in the district.
“Our goal is to encourage, recruit and foster future Kahoks to not only pursue education as a career, but return toCollinsville to work and raise their families,” said CUSD 10 Superintendent Dr.Mark B. Skertich.
When the districtwide Kahok Diversity &Equity Committee was formed in 2019, their initial task was to discuss ways to recruit more minority teachers. This led to the district’s concerted effort to “grow” teachers by encouraging current students to pursue careers in education.
The aptly named “Kahoks Teaching Kahoks”program includes specialized courses available to students in grades 9-12, and college scholarships for selected Collinsville High School graduating seniors who will be education majors. There are plans to provide additional money for loan repayment if a program participant becomes a teacher within CUSD 10 once acquiring their appropriate teaching licensure.
Funding for the scholarship program comes from personal and corporate donations, as well as a payroll deduction program forCUSD 10 employees. Donations are tax deductible and eligible for corporate matching. Contributions in honor or memory of individuals – especially current and former educators – are welcomed and encouraged.
The Kahoks Teaching Kahoks Future Teachers Scholarship is open to CHS seniors. Upon selection, scholarship recipients will be awarded $1,000 per year toward their college expenses for four years. Applications are available through theCollinsville High School Counseling Department.
Collinsville Area Community Foundation is a public charitable organization as defined by Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All contributions and gifts are tax deductible. Donations and bequests are accepted from and disbursed to individuals, groups or businesses.
