The Grow Your Own (GYO) program is designed to facilitate increased entry of qualified, diverse candidates into the teaching profession, particularly in rural and small school settings. This particular part of GYO provides supports for paraprofessionals to become certified teachers. Selected candidates will receive funding to cover tuition, certification program costs, and living expenses.

Application Window Currently Closed 

Are you currently an instructional Paraprofessional and would you like to be a teacher? You have the opportunity to complete your bachelor's degree and go through a certification program to become a certified teacher!

Apply to receive funding to cover the cost of:

1. Tuition

2. Certification Program

3. Some living expenses

 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Currently employed by ECISD as an Instructional Paraprofessional or Instructional Facilitator
• Have 75+ college hours toward a Bachelor degree
• Academic Good Standing with a GPA of 2.5+
• Ability to complete Bachelor Degree no later than May 2024
• Willing to commit to and sign an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between ECISD and recipient
• Commit to participating in the Odessa Pathway to Teaching program

Application Requirements:

• Complete this application in its entirety.
• Submit official transcripts from ALL colleges or universities attended.

Ongoing Requirements:

• Maintain a GPA of 2.5+
• Agree to submit unofficial transcripts/grade reports at the end of each University grading period
• Commit to meet with ECISD Talent Development Staff 5 times each calendar year during the grant period
• Commit to fully participate in the Odessa Pathway to Teaching program in order to receive standard certification

Who is Encouraged to Apply?
Any Instructional Paraprofessional or Instructional Facilitator that is currently employed in ECISD and has successfully completed a minimum of 75 college hours toward a Bachelor's degree with a desire to become a certified teacher.

This grant is limited to those currently employed by ECISD.