Grow Your Own Programs and Teachers of Color: Examining Program Design, Preparation, and Retention

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

While efforts to diversify the teacher workforce for racial parity frequently suggest the expansion of Grow Your Own programs (U.S. Department of Education, 2016), research on their utility is often limited (Sleeter & Milner, 2011). To address this scholarship gap, this symposium panel is designed with the following objectives in mind: 1) feature varying types of Grow Your Own program models and partnerships committed to diversifying the teacher workforce; 2) examine the different teacher pools and selection models utilized, varying structures for pedagogical and curricular supports, methods of professional development and retention practices of Grow Your Own programs; and 3) investigate overall significance of Grow Your Own programs related to educational outcomes on students and school communities.

Sub Unit

• Division K - Teaching and Teacher Education / Division K - Section 04: Multicultural, Inclusive, and Social Justice Frameworks for Teaching and Teacher Education in PK-16+ Settings

Chair

• Christine E. Sleeter, California State University - Monterey Bay

Papers

• What Do We Mean by "Grow Your Own"? Exploring Differences Across Programs - Conra D. Gist, University of Arkansas

• The Call Me MiSTER Program: A Black Male Grow Your Own Pipeline - Roy Jones, Clemson University; Winston Holton; Mark Joseph, Clemson University

• Growing Critically Conscious Teachers for an Emerging Ethnic Studies Policy Environment - Angela Valenzuela, The University of Texas - Austin

• The Leap to Teacher Program: A Grow Your Own Paraprofessional Pipeline - Maryam Esfarayeni, The City University of New York

Discussant

• Eric Toshalis, Jobs for the Future