Hamilton County Schools:
Grow Your Own Programs


Interested in becoming a teacher?

Please complete our Grow Your Own Program Interest Form
and we will follow up with upcoming opportunities. 

        GYO LOGO         

 

For information on obtaining an Occupational license through the district's Educator Preparation Program (EPP), called Pathways to Teaching, see the link below:

Why Grow Your Own?

Hamilton County Schools' Grow your Own programs assist Hamilton County classified staff members with becoming excellent classroom teachers. Our Grow Your Own programs have several goals:

  • Advance the careers of our outstanding classified and certified employees by assisting them to become licensed teachers with the potential to earn a higher degree
  • Address the teacher shortage by recruiting and retaining candidates to become certified teachers, especially in the hard to staff areas like Special Education and Math
  • Build teacher workforce diversity by hiring, training, and supporting teachers of color so that teacher diversity (less than 12%) reflects the diversity of our student population (52%) in Hamilton County Schools 
  • Close the opportunity gap and advance educational outcomes for our students by elevating employees into the teaching profession who are from the communities that serve our schools

Candidate Eligibility Requirements:

  • Attainment of full-time, school-based employment at  Hamilton County Schools for 2024-2025 school year
  • Interest in teaching Exceptional Education, Secondary Math, Secondary Science, Secondary ELA, or Elementary Grades 
  • Dedication to complete coursework and attend cohort meetings as determined by the program
  • Commitment to teach in Hamilton County for three years 

 

Email us your questions at 

  [email protected]

University Partners

   Lee University           

 

    Lipscomb University

 University of TN- Chattanooga
    University of TN- Knoxville

                                                                                   
Hamilton County Schools:
The D.R.E.A.M. Program


The D.R.E.A.M. Program equips graduate students and aspiring professionals with the tools, knowledge, and support to provide transformative mental health services in Hamilton County’s schools. This program creates pathways for individuals to grow their careers while making a lasting impact in underserved communities.

Program Benefits
Tuition and fees are fully covered for graduate degrees in School Counseling, Social Work, or Psychology. Participants also receive a one-time $8,000 signing bonus to help launch their careers.

Paid Internship
Gain valuable hands-on experience with a two-year paid internship in high-need Hamilton County schools. Interns will work alongside experienced mentors to provide meaningful support to students.

Career Growth
Build your future with exclusive mentoring opportunities, professional development programs, and priority hiring for full-time positions in Hamilton County Schools after graduation.

Impact & Equity
Join a mission to improve mental health outcomes for over 6,000 students. Help create a more inclusive, supportive environment for students of all backgrounds.

Click This Link to Complete Interest Form for Hamilton County Schools' D.R.E.A.M. Program Today!
For further information email: [email protected]