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By Andrea Malo

APS Teacher Mentorship Coordinator

Austin Public Schools is taking steps to address the ongoing teacher shortage while increasing diversity in the education field through its Grow Your Own (GYO) program. In the spring of 2023, APS was awarded nearly $750,000 through the Minnesota Department of Education’s GYO Teacher Education Grant, launching a five-year initiative aimed at supporting students on their path to becoming educators.

At the heart of the program is a mission to inspire and cultivate interest in teaching by providing a path to earning an education licensure and returning to APS as qualified teachers.

To ensure the success of students in the program, Austin High School has a Future Teacher Coordinator, Colleen Owens, and a Future Teacher Club Leader, Monica Ocampo, who both play an important role in guiding students on their journey to learn more about the education field and opportunities.

Students can enroll in education elective courses at AHS offered concurrently with Riverland Community College. The courses are Education Foundations and Multicultural Education. In these courses, students learn more about the teaching profession and start earning college credits toward their education degree. A large part of the grant program funds will go towards scholarships for qualifying students who commit to pursuing a degree in education.

Since starting last year, the Grow Your Own program has engaged approximately 60 students in a variety of experiences designed to immerse them in the world of education. In the summer, students participated as aids in summer school classrooms, providing valuable hands-on learning opportunities.

Throughout the school year, students have visited college campuses, including Minnesota State University, Mankato, and attended professional conferences such as GeoFest at the University of Minnesota and the AI STEM event at the Southeast Service Cooperative.

To further expose students to the realities of teaching, students have observed classrooms at various levels, including elementary schools and the Pre-K center. Guest speakers, including behavior interventionists, student teachers, and retired educators, have visited AHS to share their insights and experiences with the students. They have also learned about scholarships and education programs across the state.

There are plans to continue offering new opportunities for students, including additional college visits such as our upcoming visit to the Education Village at Winona State University and continued opportunities to visit classrooms, connect with other future teacher clubs and organizations, and attend professional conferences. The Future Teacher Signing Event, a celebration for senior students who commit to pursuing a degree in education, will remain a highlight of the program. As part of the event, our future teachers have an opportunity to recognize an educator that has made an impact on them as a student and has influenced them to seek a career in education.

By investing in students today, Austin Public Schools is shaping the next generation of educators who will inspire and lead our classrooms.