The Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) released new resources on the “Grow Your Own” educator initiative on Tuesday.
New resources released include a new webpage, one-sheets, and videos to support anyone interested in participating in an initiative.
“Tennessee was the first state in the country to sponsor Teacher Occupation Apprenticeship programs between school districts and Educator Preparation Providers (EPPs), and Tennessee’s Teacher Apprenticeship model aligns leading practices in teacher preparation and development with the rigors of the nationally registered apprenticeship process,” TDOE said in a statement.
“As a part of the department’s Best for All strategic plan, the Grow Your Own initiative aims to provide all Tennessee students with access to a high-quality education and an effective teacher to support learning in every classroom,” continued the statement.
“Tennessee’s Grow Your Own work is a game-changer – and a lasting one, for educators, students, and our nation,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “This investment in quality of programming will pay off for years and ultimately ensure a permanent, sustainable source of effective teachers that our students need and deserve. We hope this webpage serves as a resource for other states to replicate this work and build up our nation’s teacher talent pipeline to ensure every child, in every classroom, has an excellent educator they most need – and deserve.”
“The GYO webpage is designed to support teacher candidates seeking more information on pathways to enter the classroom. This initial version allows candidates to find high-level information and key resources designed to support their program inquiries and selection,” said TDOE.
According to the TDOE website, “Tennessee has set a new path for the educator profession as the top state to become and remain a teacher and leader for all. Tennessee’s Grow Your Own work has supported partnerships between Educator Preparation Providers (EPPs) and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to provide innovative, no-cost pathways to the teaching profession and will continue to build pipelines of qualified teachers and school district professionals.”
“Tennessee’s Apprenticeship Model aligns leading practices in teacher preparation and development with the rigors and funding of the national registered apprenticeship process,” TDOE explains. “A Registered Apprenticeship Program is a proven model of professional training that has been validated by either the USDOL or a State Apprenticeship Agency. Tennessee’s Teacher Occupation Apprenticeship was the first of its kind federally registered through the USDOL, meeting national quality standards that are hallmarks for both employers and job seeking apprentices.”
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Aaron Gulbransen is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]. Follow Aaron on GETTR, Twitter, and Parler.
Photo “Teacher and Students” by 14995841.
