The first cohort of at some 19 Tennessee Tech students in the grow your own teacher program will graduate this May.
The university one of seven programs that received state funding in 2020. The State Education Department reported Tuesday that more than 200 teachers will enter the teacher pipeline through the programs.
Associate Dean Julie Baker said students have worked as teacher assistants in six Upper Cumberland school districts while receiving their undergraduate degrees.
“Districts are especially excited,” Baker said. “It is a great way to try out teachers and to get some really great tech training because they are embedded in those schools all day, every day. That kind of program is definitely a win-win.”
Baker said the university has a second cohort that has been less successful. Baker said the program saw a drop in candidates compared to the first time the university recruited students. Baker said the majority of program participants are unfinished students that return to school.
“We had a second cohort with some different districts, and it was a second grant,” Baker said. “We weren’t able to recruit as many in that second cohort. Those particular districts didn’t have as many teacher assistants who came forward and wanted the bachelor’s degree and the licensure at the same time through this program. So, it is a much smaller cohort.”
The state announced the funding of two more programs in West Tennessee Tuesday. Baker said the state support of these programs should be celebrated.
“We want our p-12 students to have high quality teachers,” Baker said. “To have teachers that are making a difference and care about them in the classroom. That’s what we are helping teachers do with this grow your own concept.”
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