Madison College, MMSD and UW celebrate Grow Your Own teacher graduates

Eight Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) employees who are part of the Grow Your Own (GYO) to Teacher Program have completed their University Transfer-Education associate degrees at Madison College, marking an important step toward becoming licensed K-9 educators.

The students—Anthony Cox, Lizeth Garcia Rios, Taya Grahn-Galloway, Scott Haack, Grace Hildreth, Janely Solis, Julius Starlin, and Sara Whalen—balanced full-time roles in MMSD schools with coursework, family responsibilities, and academic demands while earning their degrees at Madison College. Each has been accepted to the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Education for Fall 2026, where they will continue toward bachelor’s degrees and teacher licensure.

Launched in 2024 by MMSD, in partnership with Madison College and the UW–Madison School of Education, the GYO to Teacher Program helps district employees earn their bachelor's degrees and K-9 teaching licenses while continuing to work in MMSD schools. The program was created to strengthen the educator pipeline, expand opportunities for current staff and help meet the district's long-term workforce needs.

"This program represents the very best of what can happen when school districts and higher education institutions work together to invest in people," said Dr. Jen Schoepke, director of special projects for MMSD and the UW–Madison School of Education. "These participants have balanced careers, coursework and family responsibilities while pursuing their dreams of becoming teachers. Their dedication reflects a deep commitment to the students and communities they already serve every day."

Participants continue working in their district roles part-time while attending school full-time. Participants receive tuition assistance and stipends from MMSD, along with additional financial aid and scholarships and the UW–Madison School of Education's Wisconsin Teacher Pledge help.

Madison College President Dr. Jennifer Berne congratulated the graduates.

“What makes this moment especially meaningful is not just what you’ve accomplished—but who you are,” Berne said. “You are already trusted members of your school communities. You are paraprofessionals, support staff, mentors—individuals who have built relationships with students and families, who understand their stories, their strengths, and their needs. You are not entering education as outsiders—you are growing within it.”

Many participants are MMSD graduates themselves and are preparing to become educators in the same communities where they grew up, learned and now work.

"Investing in our employees is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen our schools for the future," said Dr. Carlettra Stanford, assistant superintendent of schools and learning. "The GYO Program creates opportunities for talented staff members to advance their careers while building
a highly skilled workforce that reflects and understands the students and families we serve."

MMSD anticipates that as many as 40 participants will be enrolled in GYO coursework during the 2026-27 school year. Approximately 75 percent of participants identify as first-generation college students.

Read the full press release on the Madison Metropolitan School District news page.