Grow Your Own: Guide to Becoming a Teacher for Free in Tennessee

It's no secret that there is an unfortunate national shortage of teachers. One way that Tennessee is combating this shortage is to offer tuition-free programs to teachers.

There are a number of states that offer these types of programs. Keep reading to discover how you can become a teacher for free in Tennessee.

Can You Become a Teacher for Free in Tennessee?

It is possible to become a teacher for free in Tennessee. This is thanks to the state's Grow Your Own (GYO) program.

Grow Your Own programs use partnerships between school districts, colleges, and community-based organizations to recruit teachers from the community and reduce the teacher shortage.

These programs have proven to create more diverse classrooms, fill teaching gaps, and reduce the student loan burden on teachers.

Almost every state has a Grow Your Own program, and each state runs its program differently. The Tennessee program helps students pay for their schooling and emphasizes apprenticeships.

Tennessee's Grow Your Own Program

Like all Grow Your Own programs, the goal of the Tennessee Grow Your Own program is to end the teacher shortage by greeting a stronger educator pipeline.

The program does this in several ways:

• providing teacher licensure with no out-of-pocket academic costs and no student debt
• using registered apprenticeships as a model for teacher preparation
• expanding local partnerships to increase opportunities for educators
• increasing the demographic representation of educators

Students can learn more through the Tennessee Grow Your Own Center, a partnership between the Tennessee Department of Education and the University of Tennessee System.

We've broken down some key programs within Tennessee's Grow Your Own below.

Teacher Occupation Apprenticeship Program

Tennessee's Teacher Occupation Apprenticeship is a unique program that allows education students to learn through registered apprenticeship programs.

Apprentices are paid students who work under a highly qualified mentor for at least a year before they lead their own classroom.

They still need to pursue licensure through an Educator Preparation Program (EPP) and demonstrate the same competencies as a traditional education student.

High school students can enroll as an apprentice once they turn 16. They'll earn dual-enrollment credit through Teaching as a Profession classes, so they teach while pursuing their bachelor's degree.

Students already in their teaching bachelor's program can also join an apprenticeship program. They may be able to complete the program in as little as three years with no associated costs.

Tennessee's Department of Education also offers licensure test prep for students in the apprenticeship programs through a partnership with Study.com.

Teaching as a Profession Program

Teaching as a Profession is a program of courses designed to help students learn the basics of becoming a teacher. It covers the core components of:

• assessments
• classroom management
• educational technology
• instruction
• special populations
• teaching strategies

This program is offered to high school students across the state. It includes an internship and allows students to begin building their professional portfolio.

Educator Preparation Provider Programs

All students must complete educator preparation provider (EPP) programs in order to qualify for teaching licensure.

Students who prefer a more traditional learning pathway can earn a teaching degree through an accredited college or university. These programs typically include EPPs.

Students in the apprenticeship programs will work with an EPP partner to enroll in classes, get textbooks, and complete necessary testing.

While apprentice students will not need to pay for the resources they receive through the EPP, students enrolled in traditional programs may be responsible for costs.

Currently, the Tennessee Grow Your Own program partners with the following Educator Preparation Providers:

• Arete Public Montessori Residency
• Austin Peay State University
• Cumberland University
• Lincoln Memorial University
• Lipscomb University
• Middle Tennessee State University
• University of Memphis
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Martin
• University of Tennessee Southern

How To Enroll in Tennessee's Grow Your Own Program

The way you enroll in Tennessee's Grow Your Own program depends on how much education and experience you already have.

School District Employees

Aspiring apprentices who are already employed in a school district will need to check to see if their district is a program provider. They'll then need to contact the person in charge of the district's GYO program.

If the district agrees to employ them as an apprentice, the future teacher will then choose an eligible partnering university and apply to that university.

Once accepted, they'll need to provide their acceptance information to the district leader and fill out all required paperwork.

You can find out more information at the Tennessee Grow Your Own website.

Students With Fewer Than 60 Credits

Current college students who have fewer than 60 credits can start by filling out and submitting their aspiring apprenticeship profile with the program.

Next, they'll need to get in touch with a Reconnect Navigator, who will help walk them through the rest of the process.

High School Students

High school students who want to join the apprenticeship program should speak with their guidance counselor to become registered in the program.

Not all high schools offer the Teaching as a Profession program. Speak to your guidance counselor to find out what your options are if this program is not offered by your school.

Become a Teacher for Free in Tennessee

You can become a teacher for free in Tennessee through the state's Grow Your Own program. Get started today!