“Grow Your Own” program welcomes new future educators

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – Warren County Public Schools and Western Kentucky University welcomed a new group of aspiring educators Tuesday evening through the district’s Grow Your Own program.

The signing ceremony was held at Warren Central High School, where participants officially committed to the program alongside their families.

The Grow Your Own program gives current school employees and aspiring educators an opportunity to continue their education while preparing for careers in education and school leadership

L. Michelle Harris, a school counselor at Warren East Middle School, said the program gives educators a chance to continue learning while giving back to students.

“Grow your own is absolutely an awesome opportunity,” Harris said.

Shelby Moye, an aspiring teacher who works as a teacher assistant at the Early Learning Academy, said she wants to make a lasting difference in students’ lives.

“Kids are our future,” Moye said. “So it’s really important for every child to feel loved.”

WCPS officials said the district’s partnership with WKU has invested in 173 candidates over the past four years. Participants can pursue careers ranging from classroom teaching to school counseling, special education and administration.

School and university leaders say the program is part of a broader effort to address educator shortages by investing in people already connected to the school system.

For participants like Moye, the program is more than a path to a degree, it is a chance to turn a calling into a career.