Grow Our Own - Teacher Diversity Program
Mission and Program Overview
Mission:
The goal of the Grow Our Own Teacher Diversity (GOO-TD) program is to increase the number of highly qualified and culturally diverse licensed teachers in the surrounding PK-12 school districts.
Program Overview:
GOO-TD is a last dollar scholarship program where other grants and scholarships received will first be applied to the student account before the GOO-TD scholarship. However, in special circumstances, the student’s financial situation will be considered prior to using the last dollar approach. GOO-TD is not an alternative teacher certification program or a fast-track to certification. UWL classes are offered during traditional day-time hours with few online and evening classes. Due to grant funding guidelines, participants must meet all requirements for ongoing financial support. GOO-TD alumni are not qualified for the program once graduated.
Benefits for GOO-TD Participants:
- Potential full tuition and fees coverage.
- Paid expenses associated with required benchmark assessments for licensure (up to two attempts).
- One-on-one support from a program-specific advisor, the Sr. Equity Advisor/Recruiter, and the Academic Services Director/Teacher Certification Officer, in addition to other professionals and services as needed.
- Built-in experiences for professional development and resume/vitae expansion opportunities.
New Applicants
Eligibility Requirements (Complete ALL Steps):
- Meet UWL academic requirements and complete application for admission to UWL (GOO-TD does not cover $50 application fee). Current active UWL students can by-pass this step if already enrolled at the institution.
- Provide a statement (no longer than 3 pages, double-spaced) articulating the applicant’s commitment to teaching, diversity, and equity as well as including a program of certification and age group.
- Provide two signed letters of recommendation.
- If attended other institutions, include unofficial transcripts from all previous institutions (official transcript is required for UWL Admission).
- Complete and file a current year’s FAFSA.
How to Apply:
Failure to follow steps 1-3 will result in an incomplete application material submission. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Step 1: Complete the application for admission to UWL.
Be sure you:
- Meet UWL’s academic requirements and
- Identify the teacher education licensure program you wish to pursue.
Step 2: Send the following labeled documents in ONE EMAIL to Michelle Sylvester.
- Use the email subject line: ATTN: GOO-TD New Student Application.
- A STATEMENT (no longer than 3 pages, double-spaced) articulating the applicant’s commitment to teaching, diversity, and equity (include a program of interest and age group).
- TWO LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION (must be signed and dated).
- UNOFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS from all previous institution(s) attended.
Step 3: Complete and file a current year’s FAFSA.
Application Screening:
Applications will be screened based on a holistic evaluation that includes the applicant’s academic credentials, letters of recommendation, and the ability to serve & support diverse populations in PK-12 schools. Financial status and current/past employment in a PK-12 school may also be considered.
Upon UWL admission, candidates who wish to have their transcript(s) and prior PK-12 professional experience evaluated must submit a portfolio for review that includes documentation of relevant work/academic history to the Sr. Equity Advisor/Recruiter.
Current GOO-TD Participants
Program Requirements for Ongoing Financial Support:
- Maintain a 2.85 GPA (cumulative and per semester).
- Complete at least 12 credits of coursework towards academic program per academic year from the following terms: Summer, Spring, Fall, or Winter.
- Attend established meetings with academic program and GOO-TD advisors.
- Meet SOE program admission and UWL retention policies.
- Display a positive attitude, work ethic, and professional demeanor in classes and field experiences.
- Participate in program publicity, recruitment endeavors, and/or professional development opportunities
Students Who do Not Meet Program Requirements Each Semester:
- Attend mandatory meetings with the Sr. Equity Advisor and/or SOE professionals to establish a “Plan for Success” and share plan with academic advisor(s).
- Re-evaluate “Plan for Success” at the end of the semester with advisor(s).
- Make academic/dispositional progress by end of semester or GOO-TD scholarship will be forfeited. If declared academically ineligible by UWL at the end of the term, the scholarship will automatically be forfeited.
- Academic probation is a violation of not meeting program expectations - automatic forfeit of scholarship.
Dropping Classes After Due Dates:
- Classes cannot be dropped after the established deadline to do so has passed.
- If a student decides to drop classes or out of school after the deadline, the student will be responsible for their tuition payment during that particular semester.
- If a student has an emergency situation that requires dropping of classes past the established deadline, then the student must contact the Sr. Equity Advisor/Recruiter for assistance in writing. Failure to communicate in a timely manner will result in the student being billed for the tuition.
Medical or Regular University Withdrawal; Course Incompletes; Leave of Absences from GOO-TD and UWL:
- Send notice in writing to the Sr. Equity Advisor/Recruiter.
- Work with the Sr. Equity Advisor and Student Life professionals to facilitate the process and discuss options.
- Automatic forfeit of GOO-TD scholarship.
- Student is responsible for the University withdrawal fee and other related fees involved with GOO-TD or UWL.
- May reapply for future consideration if opening is available.
Completion Expectations:
- GOO-TD program completers are expected to make a good faith effort to procure employment in an area PK-12 school in Wisconsin.
- GOO-TD program completers are expected to provide contact and employment information to the SOE and UWL alumni database.
Support for the GOO-TD Program
The GOO-TD program is supported in part with generous funding from the following sources: