SEMO Selected for 2024 DEWEY Award

The awarded funds will be strategically allocated to three key initiatives aimed at addressing the growing need for qualified teachers in the region according to Dr. Buddy Alberson, associate dean of Educator Preparation.

First, a portion of these funds will be used as support for student teachers. One hundred and fifty student teachers will be provided a $270 stipend that will be accredited to their account in order to alleviate the financial burden associated with their hands-on training experience. This will also ensure more candidates successfully complete their training Alberson says.

A second portion of the funds will support the University's Pathway for Paraprofessionals program, which helps current paraprofessionals transition into fully certified teaching roles in Mild/Moderate Cross Categorical K-12 (Special Education), strengthening the teacher pipeline. These individuals will receive a scholarship in the amount of $3,500.

The final portion of funds will impact SEMO's Fourth Annual Future Teacher Day event, which engages high school students interested in pursuing careers in education. The event serves as an important tool for inspiring the next generation of teachers and connecting them to the University's teacher preparation programs.

"SEMO's Educator Preparation is truly excited to receive this award," said Alberson. "The students are our number one priority, and the Office of Educator Preparation will continue to strive to find ways to help educator preparation students become the best educators they can be."

For more information about SEMO's educator preparation programs, please visit the website.

Applying To SEMO
Eligible new Missouri undergraduate students with a 2.75 high school GPA and who are eligible for Pell Grants won't pay any tuition or fees at Southeast Missouri State with the Will To Do Award. SEMO also offers one tuition rate nationwide for domestic students. Apply at semo.edu/apply.

Prospective students are encouraged to visit campus. For more information or to visit campus, visit the Southeast Admissions page or [email protected].