“Grow Your Own” in Action: Cultivating Future Teachers Through Community-Driven Pathways in California’s Central Valley

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 11:45 am - Gold 2
  In Roundtable Session: Rooted and Resilient: Innovative Approaches to Teacher Recruitment, Preparation, and Mentoring

Abstract

This paper explores an innovative “Grow Your Own” pipeline model that recruits, prepares, and supports future educators through community-centered pathways across California’s Central Valley. Grounded in equity and representation, this initiative connects K–12 districts, community colleges, and CSU teacher preparation programs through Educators Rising and Aspiring Educators chapters. Using qualitative methods, the study highlights the lived experiences of minoritized students, their engagement in leadership and mentorship opportunities, and the program’s impact on developing educator identity and retention. Findings emphasize the power of localized, identity-affirming strategies in addressing workforce shortages while uplifting future teachers’ voices. Implications center on sustainability, structural barriers, and opportunities for policy change and pedagogical innovation.

Author

• Ana Robles York, California State University - Stanislaus