Midwestern “Grow Your Own” Programs: A Viable Means to Teacher Recruitment and Retention?

In this study, an analysis of the perceptions of Career and Technical Education Pathways for the Teaching Profession teachers (pseudonym) and Homegrown Educators sponsors (pseudonym) in a Midwestern state on the success of grow your own programs regarding recruitment and retention rates of alumni teachers was conducted. This research resulted from reports throughout the nation concerning the shortage of teachers. An open-ended survey was utilized to gather perceptual data surrounding recruitment and retention, with a specific interest in high-needs areas and geographical location. Survey results showed there were no significant perceived differences between rural and urban districts in regard to success in recruitment and retention of alumni teachers in all areas, including high-needs positions. The survey results revealed the need for a more formal data collection process to share throughout the state, all levels of the school district community to focus on recruiting students into teaching, and additional grow your own programs throughout the state