Note: Due to decreased budgets, we will not be accepting new applications for the 2009-10 school year.

Overview
The Aurora Public Schools "Grow Your Own" program is intended to provide educational opportunities for current classified employees, which will lead to completion of a teaching license in the state of Colorado. The hope is that some of our classified employees might become teachers for the district in some of our high need areas.

In support of the effort to become a licensed teacher, the Board of Education will pay $1,600.00 per year in tuition and fees, and $400 per year for books and supplies. The district will also pay for a mentor to work with Grow Your Own participants throughout the process of becoming licensed. The employee decides which university/college they will attend.

• Have completed one full work year with the Aurora Public Schools.
• Have satisfactory evaluation(s) as completed by supervisors.
• Meet at least one of the following criteria:
  • Is interested in teaching Special Education, Science or Mathematics
  • Is a person of color desiring to become a teacher
  • Is a male employee who is interested in teaching elementary age students
  • Is bilingual and is interested in teaching English Language Acquisition students

Application Procedure
To be considered for the program, please submit the following items to the application screening committee:

• Completed application.

• 3 letters of reference: one from your supervisor and 2 from other educators who work with you on a regular basis.

• Copies of any transcripts you have from college courses you have already completed.

• A one page essay outlining your desire to teach and the contribution you would make to the profession

Please send or bring the four items listed above to:

• Carolyn Lamb
  Technician, Classified Professional Development
  Aurora Public Schools
  Division of Human Resources, ESC - 4
  1085 Peoria Street
  Aurora, Colorado 80011
• Fax: 303 -326-1290
• Phone: 303-344-8060 ext. 28053