Montana bill seeks to revive, expand 'Grow Your Own' teacher pipeline for rural and tribal schools

Representative Crow introduced House Bill 499 on behalf of House District 15 and asked the House Education Committee for bipartisan support of legislation to revise and extend Montana's Grow Your Own grant program.

"I am asking for your bipartisan support," Representative Crow said, describing the bill as a way to build teacher pipelines in rural and reservation communities.

The bill would authorize the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education to administer grants that partner eligible postsecondary institutions with K–12 districts to develop or expand local teacher-preparation pathways. Proponents described three pilot Grow Your Own programs funded after a 2021 appropriation and said the legislation would restore funding and refine program requirements.

"The Grow Your Own grant program has been a successful model for Blackfeet community and other tribes in the state," said Patrick Yawake, representing tribal education interests for Blackfeet, Fort Belknap and Chippewa Cree communities, who testified in support. He said local teachers trained…