The Grow Your Own program in Hamilton County Schools is an innovative initiative designed to develop future educators from within the local community. It provides classified staff and engaged community members with a low-cost or no-cost pathway to become licensed teachers through partnerships with local universities. Participants receive mentorship, coaching, and financial support while working in schools, helping to address teacher shortages, increase workforce retention, and elevate educational outcomes across the district.
Alternative Certifications
While the “traditional” route to become a licensed teacher requires a bachelor’s degree and student teaching, alternative certification programs are designed to eliminate barriers and provide other options for aspiring teachers to become licensed. Learn more about alternative certification opportunities for Hamilton County Schools’ employees!Â
Grow Your Own
Why Grow Your Own?
Hamilton County Schools’ Grow your Own programs assist Hamilton County classified staff members with becoming excellent classroom teachers. Our Grow Your Own programs have several goals:
- Advance the careers of our outstanding classified and certified employees by assisting them to become licensed teachers with the potential to earn a higher degree
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Address the teacher shortage by recruiting and retaining candidates to become certified teachers, especially in the hard to staff areas like Special Education, Secondary Science, Secondary Math, Secondary ELA, Elementary Grades, and English as a New Language (ENL)
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Expand the teacher workforce by recruiting, preparing, and supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds so that the makeup of our educators more closely reflects the rich cultural backgrounds of Hamilton County Schools’ student body, where over half identify as part of historically marginalized groups.
- Close the opportunity gap and advance educational outcomes for our students by elevating employees into the teaching profession who are from the communities that serve our schools
Candidate Eligibility Requirements:
- Attainment of full-time, school-based employment at Hamilton County Schools for 2025-2026 school year
- Interest in teaching Exceptional Education, English as a New Language, Secondary Math, Secondary Science, Secondary ELA, or Elementary GradesÂ
- Dedication to complete coursework and attend cohort meetings as determined by the program
- Commitment to teach in Hamilton County for three yearsÂ
The D.R.E.A.M. Program
The D.R.E.A.M. Program equips graduate students and aspiring professionals with the tools, knowledge, and support to provide transformative mental health services in Hamilton County’s schools. This program creates pathways for individuals to grow their careers while making a lasting impact in underserved communities.
Complete Interest Form for Hamilton County Schools’ D.R.E.A.M. Program Today!
Program Benefits
Tuition and fees are fully covered for graduate degrees in School Counseling, Social Work, or Psychology. Participants also receive a one-time $8,000 signing bonus to help launch their careers.
Paid Internship
Gain valuable hands-on experience with a two-year paid internship in high-need Hamilton County schools. Interns will work alongside experienced mentors to provide meaningful support to students.
Career Growth
Build your future with exclusive mentoring opportunities, professional development programs, and priority hiring for full-time positions in Hamilton County Schools after graduation.
Community Impact
Join a mission to improve mental health outcomes for over 6,000 students. Help create a more inclusive, supportive environment for students of all backgrounds.
Pathways to Teaching
Hamilton County Schools’ Educator Preparation Program (EPP), Pathways to Teaching, is committed to providing the support and training new and aspiring Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers need to become exceptional, licensed educators. Pathways is an 18-month, job-embedded program that offers industry experts an affordable, candidate-centered alternative to traditional educator preparation. If you are a current CTE teacher or an experienced professional seeking a career change from industry to education, please complete the interest survey. We look forward to sharing more with you about this exciting program!
Candidate Eligibility
- Passion and desire to pursue a career in education
- Full-time employment as a CTE Teacher for the 2025-2026 School Year
- Dedication to completing the full 18 months of required EPP coursework
- Commitment to teaching the next generation of industry professionals
Partnerships
In addition to our primary partner, Hamilton County Schools, Pathways to Teaching has also established partnerships with other districts in our region to ensure more industry professionals have access to the opportunities our EPP provides.
Grow Your Own in Hamilton County Schools
Discover how Hamilton County Schools is empowering local community members to become tomorrow’s teachers through its innovative “Grow Your Own” program—offering mentoring, tuition support, and streamlined pathways for residents to join the educator workforce
