Welcome Home Rockwood
Updated Jan. 2025
Grow Your Own programs such as Welcome Home Rockwood align with the priorities of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, specifically to prepare, develop and support educators to ensure an effective teacher in every classroom and an effective leader in every school. Welcome Home Rockwood fosters a culture of collaboration between the district, higher education and communities, serves as a workforce development initiative and instills community pride when students return to teach at Rockwood.
Rockwood has created a mentorship program for Rockwood alumni and current students who want to become future teachers in the Rockwood School District. Our Welcome Home Rockwood program supports current students who are inspired to become future educators in our Rockwood schools.
Purpose
- Spark student interest in the education profession
- Allow students to explore the career pathway
- Set students up for success in their post-secondary education programs
- Establish professional mentorships with practicing educators
- Invest in our district as well as our future teachers
Eligibility
Basic eligibility for Welcome Home Rockwood participation:
- Be interested in pursuing a job in education
- Be a current Rockwood high school student or graduate from the district
- Serve as a role model for students
Benefits of the Program
All participating students are assigned mentors, current practitioners in the Rockwood School District, who will learn about the student's goals, help them explore options and develop a career plan customized for their aspirations. Mentors provide monthly check-in support, foster ongoing relationships and maintain a connection with the district during the four years they attend their college or university.
All participating students will be guaranteed mentorship, a student teaching placement and a screening interview with the Director of Human Resources upon the successful completion of their certificated program.
Financial Support for Students
Welcome Home Rockwood current seniors and former graduates may be eligible for financial support for tuition, books, fees and other educational expenses paid directly to the accredited institution where the student is enrolled in a teaching certification program. Eligible students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and may receive funding for a total of 8 semesters to occur within a period of time not to exceed four years post high school graduation. Financial support will be determined by the Welcome Home Rockwood Scholarship Committee and the scholarship amount will be based on the number of qualifying candidates.
>> View the application scholarship rubric.
Grow Your Own - Support Staff
Current Rockwood support staff employees who are in the process of completing an accredited certificate program are eligible for funds to support books, parking and other educational fees, excluding tuition funded by DESE’s Grow Your Own Grant.
Application Process
- Interested students need to complete the Welcome Home Rockwood application.
- Our Welcome Home Rockwood Committee will carefully review all applications.