The Spring Independent School District is excited to announce a new partnership with the National Center for Grow Your Own (NCGYO) for a “Grow Your Own” technical support initiative.

This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NCGYO and Spring ISD is set to revolutionize teacher training and recruitment within the district. The initiative aims to develop a registered apprenticeship for K-12 teachers, addressing the growing need for qualified and dedicated educators in our community.

Spring ISD’s “Grow Your Own” initiative, generously funded by the Houston Endowment, is designed to uniquely target aspiring paraprofessionals, substitutes, and dedicated community members of Spring ISD who have already embarked on their educational journey with an associate’s degree or equivalent college experience.

“By tapping into the potential of our current staff and community members, we are not just filling vacancies; we are cultivating a dedicated team of educators who are deeply connected to our community,” Spring ISD Superintendent Dr. Hinojosa said. “This initiative is a significant step toward creating a diverse and highly skilled workforce that reflects and understands the needs of our students.”

The focus of this program is on those who aspire to complete their bachelor’s degrees in core subjects, with a particular emphasis on bilingual or special education supplements. This tailored approach not only addresses the specific educational needs within the community but also fosters a sense of inclusivity and opportunity for those already contributing to the district’s educational landscape.

This strategy aligns seamlessly with the overall objective of registering Spring ISD as a selected district for the US Department of Labor’s approved registered apprenticeship in teaching program. It signifies a progressive move towards enhancing the quality of education and addressing the critical need for specialized teaching skills in our district.

“This partnership with NCGYO is a testament to our commitment to not only addressing teacher shortages but also ensuring the highest standards of education for our students,” Hinojosa said. “We are pioneering a model that paves the way for a new generation of educators.”