ROYSE CITY, TX – In a time of nationwide teacher shortages, Royse City ISD (RCISD) is making a significant investment in its future workforce by expanding its talent from within. The district recently celebrated the newest four graduates of its unique Grow Your Own (GYO) program, a strategic partnership designed to transition non-certified staff into certified classroom teachers at zero cost to the participants.
The GYO program is a collaborative effort between Royse City ISD, Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU), and Capturing Kids’ Hearts Teachworthy. It offers a clear, debt-free pathway for existing school employees, such as paraprofessionals, and recent Royse City High School Associate Degree Graduates to earn a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate.
A graduation ceremony was held on September 29th at the Royse City ISD Event Center to honor the Class of 2025. The graduates received a Bachelor of Science degree in Integrative Studies from Indiana Wesleyan University. The graduates and their assigned campuses are: Emily Anderson (Summers Middle School), Jessica Gonzales (Glenda Arnold ECLC), Jennifer Tripp (Summers Middle School), and McKenlee Walker (Sara Moss Elementary).
Each candidate was recognized with three distinct academic cords, representing the completion of all program requirements:
Blue Cord: Completion of Teachworthy’s professional development content.
Gold Cord: Completion of RCISD GYO Core Courses.
Green Cord: Completion of the RCISD GYO Seminar Course, including classroom observation and teaching hours.
While progressing through the program, GYO students are employed as paraprofessionals in the district. Upon successful completion and certification, the graduates commit to three years of teaching service within Royse City ISD, ensuring a dedicated, local talent pipeline for years to come.
Click here to learn more about the RCISD Grow Your Own Program.
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