Strengthening the Teacher Pipeline: Saint Louis University’s StayTeachLead Initiative

Saint Louis University’s School of Education is deepening its commitment to preparing impactful urban educators through the new StayTeachLead Scholarship Program. This episode explores how the initiative strengthens the local teacher pipeline by partnering directly with St. Louis area schools to identify and support future educators.

Through StayTeachLead, partner schools nominate promising students to receive half-tuition scholarships—valued at more than $28,000 per year, with opportunities for additional aid. Over four years, each recipient may receive more than $100,000 in scholarship support, creating a powerful pathway into the teaching profession.

Led by Dean Gary Ritter and Ryan Wilson, the program reflects SLU’s mission to uplift communities, inspire the next generation of educators, and elevate teaching as a pathway to leadership and equity. This conversation breaks down the vision, impact, and promise of this transformational effort.