Growing a Teacher Pipeline in ECSE: Preservice to Leadership

Learn how an NYC-based early childhood special education nonprofit developed a nationally-recognized "Grow Your Own" program training low-income adults to become educators. We will share how our teacher apprenticeship program uses a trauma informed approach to improving interpersonal communication, team relationships, and grit.Participants will be able to: 1. Understand the components needed to design an internal Grow Your Own (GYO) program that can assist with staff recruitment and retention for entry-level positions, and how to use existing staff (leadership and admin) to support the program. 2. Learn how to design training that is dynamic and appropriate for the personal and professional growth of the trainees by using a trauma informed approach to public speaking, team communication, resume writing, and self-worth. 3. Describe the components needed to successfully operate a GYO program, including recruitment, training, placement, and program evaluation that lead to establishing an apprenticeship program. 4. Discuss how to develop meaningful relationships with workforce partners in your own community to assist with identifying low income workers looking for employment.