Tennessee Invests in Teacher Pipeline With $1.025M Grow Your Own Grant at Austin Peay

Austin Peay State University in the state of Tennessee was granted $1.025 million by the Tennessee Department of Education with the purpose of fortifying its Grow Your Own Teacher Residency program. The allocation will enlarge the backing for the student teachers and apprentices and will last till July 30, 2027, assisting in a meaningful way to the local teacher workforce growth.

The Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay has been the trailblazer of the Grow Your Own model, a residency and apprenticeship pathway that permits students to obtain their teaching degree completely free while accumulating practical experience in the local schools. The program is a proactive measure to tackle the problem of teacher shortages that are persisting in Tennessee and the United States as a whole.

Since the first cohort entered the program in 2019, nearly 150 students have graduated and entered the classroom as licensed teachers. Most apprentices work full time in partner districts such as the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System while completing coursework online or during evenings. They receive mentorship from experienced teachers and financial help covering tuition, books, and fees.

Dr. John R. McConnell III, interim dean of the Eriksson College of Education, said the grant removes barriers that often prevent aspiring teachers from entering the profession. The program reaches candidates who might otherwise be unable to afford the time and expense of earning a degree. This grant also helps support apprentices working in high-need areas such as special education.

The residency structure is designed to be a win-win. School districts gain motivated teachers who already understand local school culture and community needs. Apprentices get paid salaries while they learn and are supported through mentoring and coursework. Students complete an accelerated three-year bachelor’s degree that includes teacher licensure once state requirements are met.

Officials believe the program is helping address the broader problem of teacher shortages in the region. Rural school districts struggling to attract and retain qualified teachers are now adopting variations of the Grow Your Own model. This expansion shows the potential for the approach to change teacher recruitment and retention beyond Clarksville.

Amber Button, coordinator of teacher residencies at Austin Peay, said the state’s support shows recognition of the program’s value. School partners and the university community have worked closely to make the residency accessible and sustainable. They hope the grant helps more students begin teaching careers without taking on significant debt.

With interest from students and districts increasing, the funding arrives at a key moment. Teacher apprenticeship models like Grow Your Own are gaining traction nationally as a practical alternative to traditional teacher preparation. By tying classroom work and academic study together, the program creates a professional pathway that connects preparation directly with school needs.

Overall, the grant strengthens a practical solution to a pressing problem. It aims to produce more qualified, community-connected teachers in Tennessee, while giving students an affordable route into the classroom.