Delaware DOE highlights two-year, no-cost 'Grow Your Own' pathway to expand teacher pipeline

An official at the Delaware Department of Education who oversees educator equity and recruitment outlined a two-year, paid Grow Your Own program aimed at improving teacher quality, strengthening preparation and removing financial barriers for would-be teachers in Delaware.

The official said the program uses funds from House Bill 430 to provide two years of supported experience for people already in Delaware districts or charters — including paraprofessionals, nutrition workers, custodians, bus drivers and stay-at-home parents — and that participation carries no tuition cost for those two years. "We are able to provide you this opportunity for those 2 years at 0 cost," the official said.

The program pairs participants with a quality cooperating teacher and pays them while they are enrolled in a Delaware educator preparation program. The official described the sequence as the first year serving as a paraprofessional and the second year as a year-long resident under a cooperating teacher, and encouraged interested staff to contact their local education agency human resources office for next steps.

Two participants from the Capital School District described how the program translated to classroom experience. "My name is Fadre West, and I am completing the Grow Your Own program in the Capital School District at Town Point Elementary," Fadre West said, adding that her lead teacher "has already been a guidance to me" and that she is included in planning and day-to-day instruction.

Ruby Robles, a participant at Hartley Elementary School, described beginning as an instructional paraprofessional in kindergarten and learning by doing: "I met all of them, and at first, I had no idea what I was doing, but I knew I liked children... that's when I realized, wow, I'm doing it. I am a teacher." Robles said coursework is tightly connected to classroom practice—"I'll learn about it in a course, and then I'll have that student in my classroom"—and that the program covers costs for classes and books, easing a previous financial burden.

Both participants highlighted the program's support network. West named Laura Crowley and "Miss Hollis" as staff who check in and offer tutoring and practice preparation, and Robles said the program's presence within her district allowed her to continue working with students and teachers she already knew.

The official said the Grow Your Own pathway includes training components such as science-of-reading instruction, trauma-informed practices, culturally responsive teaching and use of high-quality instructional materials, and also provides wraparound supports. "By having those 3 things in place, preparation, quality, and removing financial barriers for those who are aspiring teachers, we are excited to welcome you aboard," the official said.

The department invited interested district and charter employees and community members to speak with their LEA human resources office about enrolling in the program.