Overview of GrowVT-Ed

GrowVT-Ed was formed to address the teacher shortage in Vermont, initially focused on the Northeast Kingdom. Knowing teachers were going to be hired on provisional licenses without the teacher coursework from approved colleges and universities, a guided peer-review program with seminars to address the Core Teaching Standards and Certification Area Competencies was necessary for these educators to grow their practice quickly in order for robust student learning to occur.

GrowVT-Ed begins with five days of "Jumpstart" learning focusing on Learner Development, Learning Differences, Learning Environment, and Professional Learning and Ethical Practice. These seminars address Core Teaching Standards 1, 2, 3, and 9. Additionally, participants engage in key content and strategies to start the school year successfully.

Following the Jumpstart experience, participants engage in weekly seminars focusing on Content Knowledge, Application of Content, Assessment, Planning for Instruction, Instructional Strategies and Leadership and Collaboration, and competencies for the specific endorsement area of licensure.

Each participant will be assigned a Teacher Lead who will support the development of the Peer Review Portfolio and will help facilitate many of the seminars.

It is expected that all portfolios will be completed by June 30, 2023 and submitted to the Agency of Education. Any participant not successful in gaining Level I License will be supported as they submit additional evidence.