President Charlie Shields | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
President Charlie Shields | Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
For the second consecutive year, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in Missouri has awarded Grow Your Own (GYO) grants to 125 local education agencies (LEAs). The Fiscal Year 2025 budget for DESE includes $2.5 million to provide one-time grants of $10,000 to LEAs. These funds aim to enhance or establish local Grow Your Own programs that focus on recruiting quality teachers across the state.
Commissioner of Education Karla Eslinger emphasized the importance of investing in educators: "Investing in Missouri students and their achievement means investing in our educator workforce — both the teachers serving classrooms today and those that will join the profession in the coming years." She further stated, "Grow Your Own programs are an important part of continuing to address the statewide teacher shortage, so we are thrilled to be able to provide a second round of funding to support this work at the local level."
The GYO programs are designed to attract local students and non-certified school staff such as paraprofessionals and substitute teachers into teaching careers. Many initiatives also assist future teachers through post-secondary education and certification paths. The grant funding supports various activities, including dual credit courses, scholarships for high school students, student internships, and opportunities for other adults aiming for teacher certification.
Dr. Keith Marty, Superintendent at Parkway C-2 School District, highlighted their program's sustainability: “Our Grow Your Own program demonstrates sustainability through our Spark! Teaching and Learning Program that began in 2016.” He noted that by the end of the 2024-25 school year, they will have served 120 students since 2021.
Northwest R-I School District Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Hecktor shared her thoughts on their GYO program: “Students in our GYO program benefit from real-world education settings both within and outside of our school boundaries.” She added that this exposure prepares them for future educational roles.
The LEAs participated in a competitive application process managed by DESE. Grant funds must be used and reimbursement requested by May 31, 2025.
In addition to LEAs, funding was allocated for Grow Your Own grants to 15 educator preparation programs and five community colleges.
Alerts Sign-up