Grow Your Own Program – Interest Form

Welcome to the Grow Your Own Program! This program provides a unique opportunity for current GRPS employees to earn a teaching credential and become a teacher at zero cost to the employee. Please read the information below carefully, as it outlines the program requirements, expectations, and next steps.

Program Overview:

The Grow Your Own Program is designed to support current district employees who are interested in becoming certified teachers. If selected for the program, you will have the opportunity to:

• Earn your teaching credential through an accelerated graduate program offered by Davenport University, which we will fully fund on your behalf.
• Continue working in your current district position (full-time, part-time, temporary, substitute, or contract) while completing the graduate program.
• Receive academic and professional support from the district and the University throughout your journey to becoming a teacher 
• Make an impact on your community and become the teacher our scholars need!

Program Requirements:

To participate in the Grow Your Own Program, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Bachelor’s Degree: You must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
2. Good Academic Standing: You should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. If your GPA is below 3.0, you may still apply, but we will evaluate your academic history on a case-by-case basis.
3. Good Performance in Your Current Role: You must be in good standing with the district in terms of attendance, performance, and behavior. This includes a positive track record in your current role at the district.
4. Program Commitment: You must be able to commit to completing the accelerated graduate program, which is intensive and requires significant time and effort to balance work and study. It will require a high level of academic dedication and the ability to manage your responsibilities effectively.

Application Process:

1. Step 1: Complete this Interest Form
   • By completing this form, you are expressing your interest in applying for the program. This is not an official application, but it is the first step in the process.
2. Step 2: Internal GRPS Vetting
   • After submitting the interest form, the HR and Talent Acquisition team will review your qualifications and performance to determine whether you meet the program’s requirements. You may be contacted for a brief interview or additional information.
3. Step 3: University Application
   • If you are selected by GRPS, you will be asked to apply to Davenport’s Urban Education/Alternative Route to Teacher Certification graduate program. GRPS will assist you with this application process and provide a recommendation from the district based on your internal application and performance.
4. Step 4: Final Selection
   • Once you are admitted to the university program, you will be officially enrolled in the Grow Your Own Program and will begin your coursework and teacher training.

Program Expectations:

• Commitment to Complete the Program: The graduate program is intensive and accelerated. You must be prepared for a significant commitment of time and energy.
• Work While Studying: All classes are online, but you will need to continue working in your district role while completing the graduate program, so it is important that you are able to manage your time effectively.
• Ongoing Support: Both the district and the University will provide support throughout the program, including mentoring and professional development. The district will also provide support with your graduate application and admissions process if needed.
• Certification and Employment: Upon successful completion of the GYO program and teacher certification process, you will be required to commit to a certain number of years of service with the district at a CSI, ATS, or TSI school in exchange for receiving funding for the program. Details of this commitment will be provided before enrollment.

Next Steps:

1. Complete and submit the Interest Form: Click "apply for this position" (on the right hand side of this page), complete the form, and submit. 
2. Stay Updated: After submission, you will receive an automatic email confirming that we’ve received your interest form. Please allow 1-2 weeks for us to review your submission and provide you an update.
3. Interview/Selection: If you are selected for the program, you may be invited for an interview or additional follow-up discussion with district leaders.
4. University Application: If selected by the district, you will receive instructions for applying to the university program.

Important Disclaimers:

• Program Acceptance: Completing this interest form does not guarantee acceptance into the program. All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria and be approved by the district before applying to the university.
• Commitment to Program Completion: Participants in the Grow Your Own Program are expected to complete the entire graduate program and obtain certification. If you do not complete the program or fulfill the terms of the commitment, you may be required to reimburse the district for program costs.
• Time Commitment: The graduate program is accelerated and demanding. Participants should be prepared to commit a significant amount of time for coursework, studying, and professional development, while continuing to work in their district role.

Thank you for your interest in the Grow Your Own Program!

If you have any questions or need assistance with the form, please contact Daisy Romo at romod@grps.org or 616-819-2027.