District highlights 'grow your own' pathway; several student teachers and paraprofessionals on track for hiring

District staff and human resources presented the Growing Future Educators program, which provides experience for high‑school, college and graduate students in District 57 classrooms to build a local teacher pipeline.

Why it matters: School leaders said the program addresses national and local teacher‑shortage pressures by giving candidates hands‑on experience in classrooms, mentoring them through practicum and student‑teaching placements and making local hiring pathways visible to graduates.

Program details: Karen Schwartzwald, HR director, and district staff said the program partners with the D214 educator career pathway so high‑school students can gain in‑class experience, and that the district welcomes college and graduate student placements as part of their training. A video in the board packet showcased student testimonials: one student said field experience “confirmed… that I was doing what I was supposed to be doing,” and another called the internship “life changing.” The presenters said several former student teachers and paraprofessionals have been hired by the district in recent years.

Board questions and next steps: Trustees asked about follow‑up and feedback mechanisms; staff said they collect participant feedback through the D214 coordinator and make adjustments to recruitment and outreach. The presenters said the district encourages candidates to contact HR as they progress toward student teaching and graduation and that administrators are planning targeted recruitment for anticipated kindergarten openings tied to full‑day kindergarten expansion.

Sources: Presentation by HR director and program staff during the May 20 board meeting; student testimonials included in the board packet video.