‘Grow Your Own’ Plan Moves Forward in Kentucky

Support Grows for Higdon’s ‘Grow Your Own’ Teacher Pipeline Proposal

Momentum is building in Frankfort behind legislation aimed at strengthening Kentucky’s educator workforce by investing in students already embedded in local communities.

On Thursday morning, the Senate Education Committee approved a measure sponsored by Sen. Jimmy Higdon that expands Kentucky’s “grow your own” teacher recruitment strategy through structured apprenticeship opportunities and dual credit coursework for high school students. The proposal creates a formal framework for school districts and postsecondary institutions to work together in preparing future educators while keeping costs low and talent close to home.

Education leaders say the approach reflects a practical response to the ongoing teacher shortage—one that focuses less on outside recruitment and more on cultivating future teachers from within Kentucky’s own classrooms.

Building a Pipeline From the Classroom Up

Rather than reinventing teacher preparation, the legislation builds on apprenticeship models already operating in several Kentucky school districts. These programs allow students with an interest in teaching to gain early classroom experience, earn college credit, and move efficiently toward certification.

Sen. Higdon emphasized that the goal is to strengthen communities by keeping future educators rooted where they are most needed.

“We’re taking another step to address Kentucky’s teacher workforce challenge in a way that values keeping bright young minds rooted in the communities that need them most,” Higdon said during committee discussion. “This teacher shortage is real, and we’re trying to do something about it—starting with building a stronger pipeline in our communities.”

Supporters argue that students who grow up in a district and train locally are more likely to return as teachers and remain long term, improving stability for schools and students alike.

Proof of Concept in Nelson County

Lawmakers heard testimony from districts already seeing results from apprenticeship-based teacher preparation. Laura Arnold, Director of NEXT Generation Schools for Nelson County Schools, described how the district’s program has progressed from concept to classroom.

Nelson County recently celebrated its first graduate of the apprenticeship pathway now working as a full-time classroom teacher—a milestone that advocates say demonstrates the model’s viability.

“We believe the future is local,” Arnold told committee members. “The future workforce of Kentucky is walking in and out of our school doors every day. This program allows us to identify students with a passion for teaching early, support them through college, and keep them serving the communities they call home.”

Education leaders say formalizing these partnerships statewide would allow more districts to replicate those results rather than building programs from scratch.

Reducing Financial Barriers to Teaching

A key element of the proposal is affordability. Participating students would earn college credit while still in high school, gain hands-on classroom experience, and exit the program well on their way to teacher certification.

That structure significantly reduces student debt—one of the major deterrents for young people considering careers in education. Supporters argue that lowering financial barriers is essential to attracting and retaining future teachers, particularly in rural and high-need districts.

By combining work-based learning with academic credit, the pathway also ensures students enter the profession with practical experience, not just coursework.

Opportunities for Federal Workforce Support

During committee discussion, questions were raised about whether federal funding could eventually help support or expand these apprenticeship programs. Mary Taylor of the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Career and Technical Education noted that interest in registered apprenticeship models is growing at the federal level.

“We’re already seeing increased federal interest in registered apprenticeship models like this,” Taylor said. “As Kentucky continues to build and scale programs like this, there will be opportunities to pursue federal grants and workforce dollars to help support and sustain this work.”

Advocates say that positioning the program within a recognized apprenticeship framework opens doors to long-term funding while preserving local flexibility.

A Capstone Effort in Higdon’s Final Term

The proposal also carries added significance as Sen. Higdon approaches the final year of his legislative service. Representing the 14th Senate District, Higdon has played a leading role in transportation policy, pension oversight, and education-related issues during his tenure.

As he prepares to conclude his time in the Senate at the end of 2026, supporters say the educator pipeline initiative reflects a focus on long-term impact—addressing workforce needs while strengthening local communities.

With committee approval secured, the measure moves forward as part of a broader effort to stabilize Kentucky’s educator workforce and ensure classrooms are staffed by teachers who understand and reflect the communities they serve.