Tennessee Grow Your Own Center

Bristol Tennessee City Schools' Teaching as a Profession (TAP) program serves as a model for cultivating future educators through a comprehensive curriculum, practical experiences, and a clear pathway to the Grow Your Own Registered Teacher Apprenticeship program. The program not only benefits students by providing early exploration and career preparation, but also benefits the district by addressing the teacher shortage with a pipeline of local talent. The program’s commitment to continuous improvement ensures its effectiveness in nurturing a future generation of passionate and qualified educators for Bristol City Schools. Tennessee school districts interested in learning more about the benefits of a state-certified TAP program should visit this page here: https://bit.ly/4dSZL32

Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to interview Kimberly Eckert, ✨ award winning educator, 🎉 dean, 🏫 teacher, 🌍 world traveler, and all-around great gal. Check out her conversation with Bianca Pratt, Ed.S, and if you missed any of the webinars in the 4-part 7 Strategies for EPPs series, they're all available on the TN GYO Center's website, link in the comments. https://lnkd.in/e2_m3sWf Kim describes the blend between synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences in an academic program designed for teacher apprentices who are impacting students' lives every day-- not just in the future. Strengths of this model include inquiry-based learning, reflective practice, relevance, and the emphasis on immediate coaching to get to proficiency during the educator's learning journey. You're an inspiration to us all, Kim. Kate Hall, Ed.D. Reach University Charlene Sands Russell, Ed.D. #tngyoc #teacherapprenticeship #growyourown Erin Crisp, Ed.D.

Growing Students -- Building Futures Bradley County Schools' Teaching as a Profession (TAP) program serves as a model for fostering future educators through a pre-apprenticeship experience. By providing a comprehensive curriculum, practical experiences and a clear pathway to the GYO registered teacher apprenticeship program, the initiative addresses the teacher shortage while investing in the future of the district. The program’s commitment to continuous improvement ensures its effectiveness in nurturing a local pipeline of passionate and qualified educators. Tennessee school districts interested in learning more about the benefits of a state-certified TAP program should visit this page here: https://bit.ly/4dSZL32

August 1 was a wonderful day for education! This signing event for Overton County and Putnam County marked the beginning to these new teacher apprentices’ journey to become educators. They will begin their licensure journey at Volunteer State Community College (VSCC) and complete it at Austin Peay State University (APSU). Thank you to VSCC, APSU, the Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board, the Tennessee Office of Apprenticeship and the Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development for teaming up to support these apprentices and their school districts. #apprenticeship #TNGYO

Last week, two members of our team were invited to join leaders from around the U.S. to learn together. Hosted by the National Center for Apprenticeship Degrees and Oxford University, the group traveled to two employer sites and heard from the incredible nurse apprentices and engineering apprentices who are in the programs. What an incredible learning opportunity! Based on what we observed while visiting the United Kingdom, apprenticeship degrees have the potential to reengage a population of learners that are attracted to the hands on, paid apprenticeship experience. #apprenticeship #TNGYOC

Last Friday we had the pleasure of meeting with district contacts and classified staff in Fentress County 🎉 We shared insights into the Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program and the various pathways available for aspiring teachers to earn their licensure. The enthusiasm and interest from participants were truly inspiring! We are excited to continue our partnership with Fentress County Schools and support their journey in supporting future educators. Together, we’re shaping the future of education in Tennessee!

🎓 Celebrating our Grow Your Own and UT-PLAYS stars 🌟 Last week the University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences' Office of Professional Licensure hosted an unforgettable evening of recognition and celebration for our Grow Your Own & UT-PLAYS participants. UT-PLAYS offers non-credit bearing, fully online and asynchronous programs leading to licensure in special education, interventionist and mathematics. This event was a wonderful opportunity to honor the hard work and achievements of our dedicated program participants and graduates! We enjoyed a delightful dinner, testimonials and joyful celebrations in the company of the Dean Ellen McIntyre, Associate Dean David Cihak, the Tennessee Grow Your Own Center and participants from GYO and UT-PLAYS. Thank you to everyone who made this event a success! 🎉

It’s never too late to become a teacher! Read this Our Tennessee story about Jill Joyce’s journey from agricultural engineer, to single mother, to cafeteria employee, to educational assistant to now... a Grow Your Own teacher apprentice and soon-to-be Tennessee educator. 👉 📘 https://bit.ly/4dc8Wv7 The Tennessee Grow Your Own Center provides a barrier-free pathway into the amazing profession of teaching. “Keep learning, keep growing, keep trying to improve” - Jill Joyce

Last week we presented at the Institute for CTE Educators. Along with the Tennessee Department of Education and our district partners, we shared about the TAP State-Certified Pre-Apprenticeship, which serves as one of the entry points to the teacher talent pipeline through partnerships between local high schools and local community colleges. If your school district is interested in a TAP pre-apprenticeship program, please complete this form: https://bit.ly/3WhRYox Thanks to these four pilot districts for sharing their experience on a panel! Bristol Tennessee City Schools Clarksville Montgomery County School System Kingsport City Schools Bradley County Schools

The Tennessee Grow Your Own Center wants students to have the very best learner experience! In this video, Erin Crisp, Ed.D. shares the program's strategy of efficiency, effectiveness, and appeal as well as some lessons learned on their continuous improvement journey. https://lnkd.in/ggx9wy7D