CONGRATULATIONS!

Teaching is a wonderful profession, and your commitment is extremely important. In this section of the web site we'll help you determine if you are eligible for an Illinois Grow Your Own Teachers program. If so, we will help you locate a potential program in or near your community and take your contact info for referral to that program. If not, we will give you a list of other resources for teacher preparation.

Here are the basics:

• For the 2008-9 year, sixteen Grow Your Own Teachers programs will be serving low-income commuinities around the state, each with funding for approximately 40 candidates. (For a list of these programs and their participating school districts, community organizations and higher education partners, click here.) While all of these programs have recruited an initial cohort, most are planning to add additional candidates in the coming year.
• If you are admitted to one of these programs, you will be given up to five years to complete your undergraduate degree in education and the requirements for certification. Some classes will be held in community sites, and you will have support for childcare and transportation throughout the program.
• The participating university and/or community college will help you get financial aid, and any additional costs will be covered from a special loan fund. If you work in an "eligible school" for five years, your loan will be completely forgiven.
• An "eligible school" meets the following criteria -

  A school that serves low-income students and their families

  and

  That has a history of high teacher turnover or a high number of "not highly qualified" teachers or a teaching force which is substantially different in ethnic background from the student population.

If you want a career teaching in this kind of school, check your eligibility for the Illinois Grow Your Own Teachers program here.