Hood College -Grow Your Own (GYO) Teacher Candidate
About the role
The Grow Your Own (GYO) Teacher Candidate position is a unique career-advancement opportunity for dedicated, benefits-eligible FCPS IAs or
SEIAs seeking full teacher certification. Selected candidates will maintain their full-time support role duties while concurrently enrolled in a high-quality
teacher preparation program through Hood College in a Post-Baccalaureate Licensure Program.
This model provides financial support, tailored academic pathways, and district mentorship to prepare candidates for seamless transition into lead
classroom teaching roles within Frederick County Public Schools upon completion.
Candidates beginning the program in January, 2026 will complete the program by Spring, 2029.
Please note: Applicants accepted into the program will be required to sign a letter of commitment, which includes teaching for FCPS for 3 years after completing the program.
QUALIFICATIONS & ELIGIBILITY
Current Employment: Must be currently employed in a full-time benefits-eligible Instructional Assistant or SEIA position with Frederick County Public
Schools.
Performance Record: Demonstrated history of satisfactory or higher performance evaluations in the current FCPS role.
Educational Prerequisites:
- An earned Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Demonstrated Basic Skills as described by MSDE (3.0 GPA, Praxis Core, SAT/ACT) https://marylandpublicschools.org/about/pages/dee/certification/testing_info/index.aspx
- Endorsement: Reference from the current building principal/administrator.