Grow Your Own Pathways
At MPS, we believe that strong, qualified and diverse teachers have the ability to change students' trajectories.
Grow Your Own (GYO) pathways support current MPS staff and community partners seeking initial or additional teacher licensure to achieve the goal of becoming a teachers in our schools.
Many GYO participants were born and raised and still live in the same Minneapolis communities as our students. We believe that connection can make a difference in the student outcomes.
Program Goals
The goals for Grow Your Own pathways are tied to Goal 3 in the MPS Strategic Plan and the outcomes we want to achieve include the following:
- Strengthen pathways and reduce barriers for talented and diverse MPS employees and potential employees to become teachers. (Goal 3, Strategy 1)
- Deepen strategic recruitment of high quality, diverse teachers and staff. (Goal 3, Strategy 3.)
MPS Grow Your Own Programs
Through partnerships with local colleges and universities, we have developed three distinct adult pathways for non-teaching staff that will guide and support them toward achieving the appropriate degree and teacher licensure needed to teach.
MPS St. Thomas Residency (MSTR)
- Who is this program for?
Unlicensed staff and community partners - Licensure
K-21 Special Education and K-6 Elementary Education - Degree Required
Bachelor's degree - Program Length
15 Months - Program Outcome
Master's Degree & Tier 3 License
MPS Academy (MPS-A)
- Who is this program for?
Teachers and ESPs - Licensure
K-21 Special Education - Degree Required
Bachelor's degree - Program Length
15 Months - Program Outcome
Tier 3 License
Teacher Apprenticeship
- Who is this program for?
ESPs, MPS grads and community partners - Licensure
K-21 Special Education and Pre-K-6th Grade - Degree Required
Associate's degree or qualifying credits - Program Length
2 Years - Program Outcome
Bachelor's Degree & Tier 3 License