GISD Launches New Grow Your Own Program, Celebrates First Cohort

Last night, GISD welcomed its first G.R.E.A.T. (GISD Recognizes and Elevates Aspiring Teachers) cohort with a signing event and celebration. Surrounded by family, peers and GISD staff, the first 13 members of the grow-your-own program set out to embark on a new educational journey.

G.R.E.A.T., in partnership with Teachworthy and Indiana Wesleyan University, provides current GISD paraprofessionals with the opportunity to obtain a Bachelor’s degree and teaching certification while working as a classroom instructor under the guidance of a certified teaching mentor. 

“The GISD G.R.E.A.T. program is our opportunity to intentionally build a strong, stable, and diverse teacher pipeline from within our own community,” Leslie Talamantes, director for human resources said. “Supporting existing staff in their journey to become a degreed and certified teacher supports the district by addressing gaps in classrooms and, for many aspiring teachers, it helps to remove financial barriers to entering the profession.”

The program itself is offered at no cost to cohort members. Members are only responsible for the cost of some books and the certification exam fee. They also earn an increased salary over their paraprofessional pay but less than a certified teacher while in the program. 

“One of the first steps in the program is to complete a set of online modules,” Amanda Johnson, executive director for human resources said. “We are excited to share that six of our 13 members have completed this step and received classroom placements for next year.”

One of those members is Demetra Howard, Instructional Aide at GAP (Georgetown Alternative Program). Howard will remain at GAP and transition into a classroom instructor role. 

"I have wanted to be a teacher for so long and prayed for this," Howard said. "This opportunity is such a blessing for me and my family."

That sentiment is certainly echoed by Howard’s cohort peers.

“I have always known that I wanted to be a part of the growth and development of our youth, and being in education has allowed me to do just that,” Janetra Burton, BIC (Behavior Intervention Classroom) Aide at Tippit Middle School said. “My current position as paraprofessional and a substitute teacher in the past has helped prepare me for my future long-term goal of being in my own classroom.”

The remaining members will be eligible for classroom placements following the completion of the modules. The first cohort is expected to complete the program before the end of the 2024-25 school year.

See photos from last night’s celebration here.