Tennessee System Tackles Teacher Shortages with Online Teacher Apprenticeship

In collaboration with iDesign and C-BEN, UT System launches online version of the TN Grow Your Own teacher apprenticeship, a free pathway for state residents to earn a degree and become certified educators KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee System, which has a statewide enrollment of more than 58,000 undergraduate and graduate students and a presence in each of Tennessee’s 95 counties, today announced the launch of a groundbreaking new online teacher training program as part of its Tennessee Grow Your Own Center (TN GYO), the statewide innovative teacher apprenticeship program. In collaboration with instructional design firm iDesign, the new online apprenticeship program will make it possible for aspiring educators to access a $0-tuition, flexible pathway to becoming a licensed teacher, helping to meet the growing demand for qualified teachers in the state. “Delivering on the promise of a high-quality education for every child in& Tennessee& requires a bold commitment to expanding pathways into the education profession,” said& Erin Crisp, Executive Director of the Tennessee Grow Your Own Center. “Apprenticeships have the potential to revolutionize the way that we recruit, train, and prepare K-12 educators. This online initiative is a significant step towards addressing the critical need for well-trained...