Grow Your Own Program

• Candidate Eligibility Requirements
• Completed Application (included below)
• Letters of Reference (3 reference letters)
• Written Essay:
  • One-page essay: As an educator in the Sun Prairie area school district, how would you create a culturally responsive classroom where all students feel welcome and are successful?

Grow Your Own for candidates with a Bachelor’s Degree

• The candidate can choose the college of their choice to complete their certification program. As long as the program is certified by the Department of Public Instruction in Wisconsin.
• The district, via the HR office, will contribute $1500 per semester for a maximum of 4 semesters towards tuition in an accredited program to become licensed as a teacher or student services professional. Summer classes are considered one semester.
• Candidates are required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Grow Your Own for candidates currently enrolled in a program and ready to start their student teaching

• The district, via the HR office, will contribute $1500 per semester towards tuition in an accredited program to become licensed as a teacher or student services professional.
  • To be considered a semester, it should be either “Spring, Summer, or Fall.” The contribution is, therefore, 3 times a year. If Spring is divided into two semesters, the candidate should send both tuition bills at the end for the payment of $1,500 for Spring.
• SPASD will continue to pay the candidate their regular wage while completing the student teaching.
• SPASD will provide the school with a long-term sub to continue in the role while the candidate completes their student teaching.

Grow Your Own for candidates without a bachelor’s degree

• The candidate can choose the college of their choice to complete their Undergraduate degree in Education.
• The district, via the HR office, will contribute $1500 per semester for a maximum of 8 semesters towards tuition in an accredited program to become licensed as a teacher or student services professional.
  • To be considered a semester, it should be either “Spring, Summer, or Fall.” The contribution is, therefore, 3 times a year. If Spring is divided into two semesters, the candidate should send both tuition bills at the end for the payment of $1,500 for Spring.
• Candidates are required to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Grow Your Own for candidates who want to add on a license in a specific shortage area and/or grade level

• Current Add-On Options: Special Education, Student Services, Family and Consumer Education, Bilingual Education, and Math
• Upon completion, the candidate agrees to teach in the shortage area
• Candidates can choose the college of their choice to complete their add-on certification

Other things to keep in mind:

• Participants will put in a reimbursement claim for $1500 every semester. In order to do so, the participant needs to turn in a copy of their tuition bill.
• The student will be responsible for all other education-related materials (i.e., books, transportation, and supplies).
• The District will supply a Chromebook for the selected candidate.

No. You do not have to enroll until you know that you have been accepted into the GYO program.

Once you are selected, you will be responsible for choosing and enrolling in a program conducive to a teacher or student services certification.

The District will work with you to allow for schedule adjustments, including a temporary reduction in hours during your student teaching, in order to assist you in completing your program. You will continue to be paid your normal rate while completing your student-teaching.

• This would relate to student teaching and/or practicum hours related to the program.
• The District will also provide for sub coverage

The District will maintain its contribution to your insurance benefits while you are in the program doing your student teaching.