Grow Your Own Pathway

Page Table of Contents

Click any of the sections below to be taken to that part of the page.

• Program Benefits
• How the Program Works
• Sample Pathway
• Praxis Preparation

Program Benefits 

Program participants have access to the following benefits:

• Introduction into the teaching profession
• Early start on college/university study
• Reduced completion time of a bachelor's degree
• Classroom observations and field experience prior to college/university studies
• Salary, benefits, and seniority during the residency year

How the Program Works 

The 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.

High School

High school counselors and college or university advisors help with scheduling, financial aid, testing requirements, etc., to enroll in the teaching pathway. Students should graduate high school with at least 30 hours of dual enrollment/AP credits, including the four introductory education courses. Students will enter a college or university classified as a sophomore. During their junior and senior years of high school, they can spend time in classrooms in their home county schools.

Year 1

Upon graduation from high school and completion of the pathway, students will be admitted into a college or university education program and begin classes the fall semester after high school graduation. You will take courses in both spring and fall.

Year 2

Students continue to complete coursework and required testing in the fall, spring, and summer (if needed) semesters.

Year 3

Students work in yearlong residency as the teacher of record with high levels of support from the college or university and the county. They may complete any remaining college or university classes in the fall and spring semesters. The county system will provide a cohort supervisor to mentor, coach, and support teacher residents serving as teachers of record.

Post Graduation

Students will have earned enough credit to receive a bachelor's degree in education. Participating school districts agree to give hiring preference for teaching positions, when possible, to graduates of this program.

Sample Pathway 

The following course menu is a template for students participating in the program with the goal to exit high school with a at least one year of college credit (24-30).

Italicized courses are transferable between participating institutions in the Grow Your Own network. Students should consult with their college or university when choosing other course options and electives. For specific information, refer to individual county plans.

• 1: A minimum of 22 total credits required for high school graduation per Policy 2510, Assuring Quality of Education: Regulations for Education Programs (counties may require additional credits).
• 2: AP or Dual credit can replace any course.
• 3: Or equivalent courses as determined by county plan
• 4: Guaranteed transferable between participating institutions in the Grow Your Own WV Teaching Pathway network.

Praxis Preparation with Study.com 

Students will have 12-month access at no cost to Praxis preparation resources courtesy of Study.com. Only 400 licenses will be provided. Contact your county Grow Your Own instructor for more information.