In collaboration with The University of Minnesota, Reading Corps is offering an exciting new pathway to becoming a future teacher. “In Minnesota, only 1 in 20 teachers are BIPOC compared to 1 in 3 students.” said Alison Zellmer, Associate Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships. “This, coupled with the growing teacher shortages across the state, inspired us to develop a partnership to help narrow the gap.”
Grow Your Own (MNGOT) is a MEd program designed for members who have completed a bachelor’s degree and would like to become licensed educators. Rooted in service, the program is designed to build on Reading Corps experience and be completed while serving as a tutor. The five-semester program is 36 credits and prepares participants for K-6 licensure. Coursework is completed through a hybrid model that includes weekly online classes and in-person learning twice a semester.
Program Schedule:
- Pre Enrollment: Members complete one or two terms with Reading Corps or Math Corps and apply for admission to the University of Minnesota.
- Year One: Members continue tutoring for another term with Reading Corps and begin their coursework with their cohort.
- Year Two: Member spends half day tutoring and half-day student teaching at their school.
MNGOT fieldwork, courses, and student teaching all count towards your Americorps service hours. Because service with Reading Corps is an essential part of the Grow Your Own experience, you’ll continue to receive a stipend every two weeks, and be eligible for member benefits including health insurance, child care assistance, loan forbearance and student loan interest repayment!
Through the partnership, tuition is offered at a $3,000 discount and members can choose to apply their AmeriCorps Segal Education award to further offset the cost. Generous scholarships are also available through the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities College of Education and Human Development. With the amount of coursework and requirements completed online and in your community, the program is accessible to members throughout Greater Minnesota.
If you are interested in serving your community while developing your career, you can find more information here! The application deadline for fall is May 1, 2024. You can begin the process by applying here online. MNGOT advisor, Jade Beauclair will then be in touch to complete an unofficial transcript review and walk you through the application process.
Learn More!MNGOT is also designed for non-licensed district staff with bachelor’s degrees, including paraprofessionals, educational assistants, substitute/reserve teachers, and teachers on a district waiver. We are accepting inquiries for a Fall 2024 cohort in the following licensure areas: K-12 ESL and Secondary Sciences (5-8 General Science, 9-12 Life Science, 9-12 Physics, 9-12 Chemistry, and 9-12 Earth/Space Science)