FORT MYERS, Fla. — The School District of Lee County and Florida Gulf Coast University have launched a groundbreaking program that brings future educators directly into elementary school classrooms, creating what officials call a “Grow Your Own” pipeline to address teacher shortages.
The innovative partnership places FGCU students enrolled in EDG 3323: Professional Teaching Practice on two Lee County school campuses: Veterans Park Academy for the Arts and San Carlos Park Elementary. Students take their university coursework on-site, then immediately step into classrooms for hands-on experience alongside veteran educators.
Watch Fort Myers Community Correspondent Miyoshi Price’s report:…