Media release from the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is celebrating a major milestone in its Grow Your Own (GYO) to Teacher Program as the initiative’s inaugural cohort completes its associate degrees at Madison College and prepares to continue toward teacher licensure through the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Education.

Launched through a partnership among MMSD, Madison College, and the UW–Madison School of Education, the GYO to Teacher Program helps district employees earn their bachelor’s degrees and K-9 teaching licenses while continuing to work in MMSD schools. The program was created to strengthen the educator pipeline, expand opportunities for current staff, and help meet the district’s long-term workforce needs.

The inaugural cohort includes eight MMSD employees — Anthony Cox, Lizeth Garcia Rios, Taya Grahn-Galloway, Scott Haack, Grace Hildreth, Janely Solis, Julius Starlin, and Sara Whalen — who graduated from Madison College this spring or summer with University Transfer—Education associate degrees and have been accepted into UW–Madison for the fall 2026 semester.

Participants are expected to earn their bachelor’s degrees and teaching licenses in 2028 before returning to MMSD classrooms as licensed educators.

“This program represents the very best of what can happen when school districts and higher education institutions work together to invest in people,” said Jen Schoepke, director of special projects for MMSD and the UW–Madison School of Education.

“These participants have balanced careers, coursework, and family responsibilities while pursuing their dreams of becoming teachers. Their dedication reflects a deep commitment to the students and communities they already serve every day.”

Participants in the program continue working in their current district roles part time while attending school full time. MMSD supports them through tuition assistance and stipends, while additional scholarships, financial aid opportunities, and the UW–Madison School of Education’s Wisconsin Teacher Pledge help reduce financial barriers.

Many participants are MMSD graduates themselves and are preparing to become educators in the same communities where they grew up, learned, and now work.

“Investing in our employees is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen our schools for the future,” said Carlettra Stanford, assistant superintendent of schools and learning. “The GYO program creates opportunities for talented staff members to advance their careers while building a highly skilled workforce that reflects and understands the students and families we serve.”

The program currently includes three active cohorts, with a new group beginning each fall. MMSD anticipates as many as 40 participants will be enrolled in GYO coursework during the 2026-27 school year. Approximately 75 percent of participants identify as first-generation college students.

The program reflects MMSD’s broader commitment to professional growth, leadership development, and creating pathways for employees to build long-term careers in public education.