'Grow Your Own' Teacher Programs
Your moment to teach has arrived.
Relay is now enrolling for Summer and Fall 2026, for aspiring and current teachers like you!
At Relay, you’ll be joining a unique program rooted in pedagogical theory and grounded in real-world evidence. You’ll have access to unparalleled opportunities to learn the techniques of effective teaching, alongside multiple opportunities to practice and refine these with faculty and peers.
There’s never been a better time to take the leap and become the outstanding teacher the next generation of students need.
What is a 'Grow Your Own' program?
'Grow Your Own' (GYO) is a teacher preparation strategy focused on developing teachers from the local community. This might mean offering paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, or career changers an opportunity to move into the classroom; or simply ensuring novice teachers have the supportive training they need to stay for the long term.
According to research by New America, there are GYO programs in nearly every state, and 31 states offer some funding to incentivize them. GYO programs often overlap with teacher apprenticeship programs or teacher residencies.
'Grow Your Own' at Relay
Relay partners with over 30 school districts across the country on a variety of 'Grow Your Own' type programs. These include para-to-teacher or tutor-to-teacher pipelines, strategic staffing initiatives with a strong focus on recruiting from in-district employees and local career changers, state-grant-funded programs, and more. Many participants enroll in our Master of Arts in Teaching - Teacher Residency program; some are full time teachers earning their MAT or alternative licensure.
