Executive Summary: Annual Evaluation Report for the Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship Initiative

Through a grant to the National Center for Grow Your Own (NCGYO), HEI is funding the design and implementation of apprenticeship-based teacher preparation programs across multiple school districts. In Year 1, three districts (Aldine, Spring, and Tomball ISDs) began planning or implementing their GYO programs in collaboration with educator preparation program (EPP) providers and technical assistance partners.

The evaluation is being conducted by Steuck & Associates, LLC using a developmental evaluation approach, which emphasizes real-time feedback, continuous learning, and adaptation in complex and evolving initiatives. The evaluation aims to support program refinement, elevate participant and partner perspectives, and strengthen alignment across institutions.

While the contract year for the evaluation runs from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, the evaluation team defined the technical year as August 1, 2024, through July 31, 2025, to better align with school district calendars. This executive summary presents key findings, insights, and recommendations based on data collected during this technical year through interviews, focus groups, surveys, and ongoing partner engagement.