Human Resources Special Education Teacher Recruitment

Utilizing Grow Your Own

Abstract

This paper seeks to analyze the implementation process of a Grow-Your-Own (GYO) model to address Special Education certified teacher recruitment and retention. Though routed in California, the needs articulated here are generalizable throughout the U.S. It addresses Human Resources managers who may seek to implement a GYO model for teacher recruitment at the site level. By leveraging national and state data bases, well-respected research, and several qualitative interviews with those currently overseeing a GYO model, it answers: a) what persistent gaps in Special Education teacher pipelines and equity outcomes currently exist, b) why GYO models meet these unique challenges, and c) how Leader-Member Exchange Theory can aid implementation of GYO modeling at the site level.

The author concludes with several key recommendations for districts, and specifically HR managers among them: 1) Recognize the need for long-term planning and conduct needs analysis with current staff. 2) Develop capacity through culture and strategic partnering including grant funds seeking, and 3) shadow current successful programs.