Legislator requests $40 million more to train new teachers Earmark would fund Teach for America programs across MichiganA teacher-preparation program that received $38 million from Michigan taxpayers in years past may receive another $40 million in the upcoming budget. Rep. John Roth, R-Traverse City, requested a $40 million earmark in the 2026 budget to support Teach For America’s TeachMichigan initiative. The program is $40 million over a four-year period. The National Education Association, the nation’s largest teachers union, takes a critical view of programs such as Teach for America. Teach for America received $16 million during the first five years of its Michigan program from various private donors, Crain’s Detroit Business reported in May.