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Bloomington Public Schools spotlights Grow Your Own program to help staff become teachers
Summary
Superintendent Eric Melby used the district's Melby Monthly update to highlight the state-funded Grow Your Own grant, which helps district staff pursue degrees and credentials while working to increase educator diversity; staff and a student described the program's impact.
Superintendent Eric Melby used the Melby Monthly update to highlight Bloomington Public Schools'Grow Your Own program, a state-funded grant that helps district employees pursue teaching credentials and degrees while continuing to work for the district. "We're marching forward with spring on the horizon," Melby said as he framed the program as part of a broader push to develop a "high-quality diverse workforce."
The program, Melby said, removes some financial barriers so staff can return to school while staying employed by the district. He introduced two staff participants: Kennedy High School restorative practices specialist Leticia Alvarez, who is on track to earn a bachelor's degree through the program when she graduates in May, and Valley View Middle paraprofessional Carolyn Tate, who is also pursuing a degree while working with students. "It's so important that our students see themselves in our staff," Melby said.
Leticia Alvarez described her goals in the program, saying her "hope is to be a teacher still to students and youth, but to also be a teacher to my peers" and to help build and change systems. Carolyn Tate described the day-to-day balancing act of working with students, leading extracurricular activities and commuting to classes: "I really care about the kids because they're just young people. I connect with them as much as I possibly can so that they feel comfortable coming to me and just telling me what they need."
A student featured in the segment said diverse teachers serve as advocates and role models: "they're great advocates for us too." Melby framed those personal accounts as evidence the Grow Your Own model supports both staff advancement and student outcomes by keeping experienced school employees in classrooms while they complete credentialing.
The segment did not discuss program funding beyond noting it is a state-funded grant, and it did not include enrollment counts or budget details. Melby closed the update by thanking participants and saying, "That's it for this inspiring Melby monthly. I look forward to seeing you again next month."
