The Trojans Teaching Trojans scholarship program demonstrates measurable progress in teacher preparation retention in Troy, Alabama. Now in its second year, the program with Troy University, Troy City Schools and the City of Troy has grown from five participants to twelve, placing students in elementary and middle schools exclusively, with plans to expand into high schools in the future.
Mayor Jason Reeves launched the initiative to address local teacher shortages. Scholarship recipients receive $5,000 per semester for serving in Troy City Schools classrooms on Mondays and Fridays over 12 weeks. Selection is based on essays and faculty recommendations.
Mrs. Catherine Lott Keck, Assistant Chair of the Department of Teacher Education, emphasized the scholarship’s inclusive design. She observed that removing GPA requirements allows students who excel in engagement and resilience to participate and thrive. She added that “students begin to understand what it truly means to be a teacher once they step into the classroom regularly; confidence grows when they say, ‘This is what I’m meant to do.’”
Participants convened recently in Hawkins Hall for this year’s kickoff. Second-year students paired with first-year mentees and met their cooperating teachers. Returning participants described the experience as transformative both professionally and personally. One second-year student, Gabriela Perez, said her academic experience “tripled” after joining the program.
Kristi Lewis, principal at Troy Elementary where participants are placed, said she is “excited that our teachers get to grow this new crop of teachers coming in” during a time when recruiting quality certified teachers remains difficult. She noted the energy between participants and staff shows the program is working and “makes me hopeful we’ll have high quality effective teachers to choose from in the future.”
Program administrators label the initiative a win-win: students gain hands-on classroom experience; schools receive instructional support. Last year four participants converted into paid internships at Troy Elementary. That translated into four extra teachers without the school needing to hire externally.
Students who remain in the initiative for three consecutive semesters may be considered for internships or full-time teaching roles within Troy City Schools. Though placements now focus on elementary and middle schools, expansion into high schools remains under consideration.
Trojans Teaching Trojans continues as a promising strategy for confronting teacher shortages while cultivating dedicated future educators for local communities.
