The Austin Peay Experience podcast episode explores innovative teacher prep program
By: Brian Dunn October 16, 2023
Austin Peay State University has released a new episode of its podcast, 鈥淭he Austin Peay Experience,鈥 highlighting the University鈥檚 groundbreaking Grow Your Own teacher preparation program.
The latest episode features an in-depth interview with Dr. Prentice Chandler, dean of the Eriksson College of Education at Austin Peay. He discusses how the Grow Your Own program provides an affordable and accessible pathway for community members to become teachers in their own backyards.
鈥淕row Your Own is getting tons of press these days in Clarksville and around the nation,鈥 Chandler said. 鈥淥ur program is a three-year bachelor鈥檚 program where students also work as educational assistants in schools full time with full pay and benefits.鈥
The tuition-free program allows students to take courses while working in schools and learning from experienced mentor teachers. By recruiting aspiring teachers from local communities, Grow Your Own aims to increase teacher diversity and fill high-need positions in areas like special education and math.
鈥淭he idea behind Grow Your Own is finding people in the community to teach our children,鈥 Chandler said.
In the interview, Chandler also emphasizes the critical role of partnerships with school districts in the program鈥檚 success. After launching in 2018, Grow Your Own became the nation鈥檚 first federally registered teaching apprenticeship program in January 2022. Around 80 students have graduated, providing Clarksville-area schools with qualified teachers committed to their communities.
The podcast episode provides unique insights into this innovative teacher preparation program that is transforming education across Tennessee and beyond.
鈥淭he Austin Peay Experience鈥 is hosted by Grayson Nicholson, APSU鈥檚 digital content specialist, and produced by Sean McCully and Brian Dunn. New episodes air monthly during the academic year. The podcast is available on all major platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and .
News Feed
View All News
The Department of Health and Human Performance will host its inaugural Health and Performance Summit on Saturday, Oct. 17, in the Health Professions Building, bringing together nationally recognized leaders in strength and conditioning, sports science, healthcare, and tactical performance.
Read More
Shirley Conner, assistant director of Austin Peay State University's Veterans Upward Bound program, has guided hundreds of military-affiliated students into higher education through federally funded support services including admissions assistance, financial aid guidance, and career counseling.
Read More
The Austin Peay State University Board of Trustees has announced its 2026 award recipients, recognizing Billy Atkins, Dr. Michelle D. Smith, and Dr. Jeannie Beauchamp for their contributions to the university and community.
Read More