Summary
The University of Tennessee System has appointed Erin Crisp as the inaugural executive director of the Tennessee Grow Your Own Center, set to begin her role on October 10. This center, established with a $20 million grant from the state, aims to enhance educator preparation through partnerships between school districts and educator preparation providers, facilitating access to innovative workforce pathways like registered teacher apprenticeships.
As Tennessee pioneers Teacher Occupation Apprenticeship programs, the Grow Your Own initiative is critical for addressing the challenges of recruiting and retaining qualified teachers. By aligning educational practices with apprenticeship models, the state is setting a benchmark for how to effectively build a diverse and skilled educator workforce, ensuring that every student has access to quality education.
Why this matters for apprenticeships
This development highlights the importance of registered apprenticeship programs in addressing workforce shortages in education. By offering earn-and-learn opportunities, the Grow Your Own Center aims to attract new talent into the teaching profession, ultimately strengthening the educator pipeline across the state.
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