When you walk into a Murray classroom, you often see dedicated support staff working side-by-side with certified teachers—guiding small reading groups, assisting students with specialized learning needs, or helping manage daily activities. These paraprofessionals and support team members know our schools inside and out. They know our kids by name, understand our community culture, and are deeply invested in Murray’s success.

Now, thanks to a state-funded initiative called the "Grow Your Own" (GYO) Educator Pipeline Program, several of these trusted faces are taking the next big step in their careers: becoming fully licensed teachers right here in our district.

What is the "Grow Your Own" Program?

Created and funded by the Utah Legislature, the GYO program was designed to solve a common challenge facing public schools: recruiting and retaining exceptional educators.

Rather than relying solely on traditional hiring pools, the program creates a direct pathway for current school staff—such as paraprofessionals and support assistants—to earn their teaching credentials. The program covers key higher-education expenses, including tuition, books, exam fees, and clinical practice support. This allows dedicated staff members to pursue their degrees without taking on overwhelming debt or leaving their essential roles in our schools.

A Smart Investment in Special Education

To make the greatest possible impact, state funding for the GYO program has been strategically targeted toward areas of highest demand—specifically Special Education.

Special education instructors perform some of the most specialized and vital work in our district, fostering environments where every child, regardless of learning style or ability, can thrive. By directing pipeline funding toward special education, the program helps ensure our most vulnerable learners are supported by educators who are exceptionally trained and deeply committed to long-term success in Murray classrooms.

Local Success: Murray’s Strong Turnout

The impact of this program is already taking shape in our neighborhood schools. Murray currently has 7 participants actively enrolled in the pipeline, with 1 additional candidate pending.

For a district of our size, this level of participation is a remarkable achievement. It speaks to the commitment of our support staff who are working hard to advance their careers, as well as our administration’s dedication to mentoring talent from within our own walls.

Why This Matters for Parents and Students

Programs like Grow Your Own offer a host of tangible benefits for Murray families:

• Unmatched Continuity: GYO candidates aren't newcomers learning the ropes from scratch. They already know our school routines, our values, and, most importantly, our students.

• Higher Retention: Educators who train within their local community are far more likely to stay long-term, bringing consistency and stability to our schools.

• A Stronger Support Network: Pairing aspiring teachers with experienced mentor teachers elevates the standard of care and instruction across the board.

Interested in Joining the Pipeline?

The GYO initiative is a testament to what happens when state-level investment meets local community dedication.

If you or someone you know currently works in a support role in Murray City School District and has considered earning a teaching credential, we encourage you to look into future cohorts. Interested employees can reach out to the Murray District Office or speak with their school principal to learn more about upcoming opportunities, eligibility, and nomination guidelines.

Together, we’re keeping great educators in Murray and ensuring our students continue to receive the dedicated, compassionate support they deserve.