Detroit’s Skillman Foundation and the Detroit Children’s Fund Thursday announced the launch of Teach 313, a local and national campaign to recruit early childhood-12th grade teachers to Detroit. The program will offer incentives from corporate partners, including General Motors Co. and Quicken Loans Inc.
“If we’re going to continue the growth of our city, we need to do everything we can to support Detroit students,” says Mayor Mike Duggan. “That means recruiting the best teachers to Detroit, and Teach 313 is going to be key to that effort. I strongly encourage our partners in the business community to support the Teach 313 program and support our teachers city wide.”
Teach 313 is a talent initiative focused on recruitment, professional development, and the quality of life of Detroit teachers. There is a nearly 30 percent teacher attrition rate during each school year in Detroit. More than 14 percent of teachers moved schools outside of Detroit, and more than 4 percent of teachers left teaching in Detroit or the profession altogether.
Teacher incentives include a discount from GM open to all current educators, administrators, faculty, and support staff who work at a public or private school, university, or college. It can be combined with current offers for additional savings on a new lease or purchase.
Detroit teachers and administrators also have access to GM’s OnStar Safety and Security Package free for two years. The package is valued at $25 per month and includes automatic crash response; roadside assistance; stolen vehicle assistance; emergency services; crisis assist in severe weather, natural disasters, or other crises; and turn-by-turn navigation with the help of a live adviser if needed. The OnStar package can only be active on an OnStar-equipped vehicle.
Quicken Loans is offering Detroit teachers who purchase or refinance a home through the company $1,500 in mortgage savings, including a $1,000-closing cost credit, $500 cash back after closing, and additional VIP services including personalized mortgage review, online tools, mobile apps, access to online webinars, and VIP treatment from a dedicated team of home loan experts.
“We need teachers who believe they can change the world. That’s the opportunity before us. As Detroit works to become a place of prosperity where families and communities thrive, there’s no role more important than that of our teachers,” says Tonya Allen, president and CEO of the Skillman Foundation. “The Skillman Foundation is proud to be part of this collective effort to attract educators to Detroit schools and celebrate and support those already devoted to cultivating our city’s young talent.”
As part of its recruiting efforts, the initiative has engaged partners including the Service Year Alliance and AmeriCorps Alums, the top 25 teacher-producing colleges and universities, and the top 20 historically black colleges and universities across the country.
“Detroit’s children deserve a quality education, and a quality education is driven by inspired and supported teachers. What we’ve announced today is an unprecedented partnership among civic leadership from multiple sectors to create a lasting impact for our educators,” says Jack Elsey, executive director of Detroit Children’s Fund. “We’re no longer accepting the status quo —Detroit Children’s Fund is committed to making Detroit the best place to raise a family, and Teach 313 is helping us make that aspiration a reality.”
Click here for more information on Teach 313.
