Introducing

Seed Teachers

Seed Teachers supports Tacoma graduates on the journey to becoming Tacoma teachers

A new partnership between Tacoma Public Schools (TPS), Pacific Lutheran University (PLU) and Degrees of Change (DoC), the program provides a cohort-based pathway to a debt-free degree and teacher credential with scaffolded, paid work experiences in Tacoma schools all along the way.

Program Objectives

• Provide comprehensive cohort-based support to TPS graduates who want to be teachers, empowering them as educational leaders and change-makers.
• Contribute to a more equitable school system by “growing our own” teachers so that Tacoma educators better reflect the diversity of Tacoma classrooms.

How it Works

• Starting this spring, graduating seniors who are considering a career in education are selected into a cohort of 15-20 students.
• Participants receive scholarships that cover full need at PLU with no more than $5,000 in loan per year.
• Each year of college, participants are guaranteed meaningful work with students in TPS schools, where they build experience and earn more than they borrow.
• A dedicated DoC program director hosts cohort training sessions and meets 1:1 with students monthly, building a strong community of support.
• TPS and PLU Education Department provide mentors and coordinated support along the way.

Nominate a graduating senior for the first Seed Teachers cohort this spring

Nominate

If you are a staff member at a TPS high school, complete the form below to tell us about graduating TPS seniors who you think would be great teachers and strong candidates for Seed Teachers. Be sure to share with them what you know about the program, and we'll follow-up in the weeks ahead with information sessions for seniors, families and teachers in your building.

If you are a student intereted in the program, do not complete this form. Visit apply.seedteachers.org to learn more and apply today.