Preparation Programs Completion

Assist prospective educators with overcoming barriers (e.g., costs, transportation, childcare, duration, unpaid/low wage internships) to beginning and/or completing programs. 

 

Tennessee Department of Education 

The Tennessee Department of Education achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first state to gain approval from the U.S. Department of Labor for a lasting Grow Your Own model. This pioneering effort involved collaboration between the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System and Austin Peay State University's Teacher Residency program, resulting in the first registered apprenticeship program for teaching in the country. The model fosters partnerships between Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) and districts, providing innovative, cost-free pathways to teaching by enhancing EPP enrollment and increasing the pool of qualified teachers. This achievement paves the way for other states and territories to initiate similar programs with federal endorsement.

https://www.tn.gov/education/grow-your-own.html#:~:text=Paving%20the%20way%20for%20teaching,permanent%20Grow%20Your%20Own%20model%2C; https://www.tn.gov/education.html