toward a teaching degree before graduation .
“ Grow Your Own Pathway gives students a fast-track into the education field through a combination of dual enrollment / Advanced Placement courses and an accelerated pathway . Students can then graduate with a bachelor ’ s degree in just three years ,” she says .
This program would help alleviate some of the costs of higher education for students as well as the time required to complete teacher preparation programs . The Grow Your Own Pathway program was registered with the U . S . Department of Labor as an apprenticeship , meaning students can earn wages for field experiences throughout completion .
“ West Virginia was the second state in the nation to register the K-12 teaching occupation as a Registered Apprenticeship Program with the U . S . Department of Labor ,” Warren says . “ This work has been spotlighted on a national stage for organizations , including the National Grow Your Own Center , Southern Regional Education Board , Learning Policy Institute and Education Commission of the States .”
In addition to providing multiple pathways to licensure , other means of increasing teacher recruitment and retention may also need to be considered .
“ To recognize , attract and retain exceptional people to teach our students , lead our schools and provide school support services , government and business leaders must demonstrate a solid belief in the value of raising up a well-educated public , while respecting those engaged in this important work and paying salaries that are commensurate with the importance of the job ,” says Sullivan . “ It is no mystery why states having higher student achievement rates offer higher teacher salaries .”
In its 2021 report , Hanover Research also identified additional strategies for increasing teacher retention , including providing teacher wellness programs and strategies to help reduce teacher burnout , creating and maintaining a positive and supportive environment for teachers in our schools , engaging teachers in decision-making opportunities in order to increase buy-in and providing recognition . •
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