ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. — School districts across the Commonwealth are getting creative when it comes to dealing with teacher shortages. Several districts are using "grow your own" programs to fill vacancies at a fraction of the cost.

In Hardin County, the school district is partnering with Western Kentucky University (WKU) to help its staff get teaching certified, or get their master’s degree.

What You Need To Know

  • Hardin County Schools is partnering with Western Kentucky University (WKU) to help its staff get teaching certified, or get their master's degree

  • About 75 teachers and students are benefiting from the program

  • Kayla Board, middle school math teacher, is getting her master's from WKU as part of the program

  • Hardin County Schools and WKU are each paying half of Board’s tution.

In September, Kayla Board had a bachelor’s degree, but not in education. She said that was enough to be emergency certified as a math teacher at Bluegrass Middle School in Elizabethtown.

“It's like a family here now," Board said. "I feel like I'm a part of something, and I can make a difference in their lives, not just through the vehicle of math, but internally, emotionally."

As part of Hardin County Schools' "Grow Your Own" program, the 29-year-old is going to be hitting the books to get a master’s in teaching.

"I'd never intended to go back to school, but it is an amazing opportunity because it has opened a whole new path into my life," she said. 

Hardin County Schools and WKU are each paying half of Board’s tution. All she has to pay for is her materials. 

"I know that after I'm done with my master's, I'm going to be one of the best teachers that these students [have] ever seen come through here," she said.

The school district is also covering one-third of tuition for staff members who want to become certified in teaching.

"We're wanting to grow our own teachers here in our community," said Shelee Clark, director of education development and student support for Hardin County Schools. "We want to reward those people that have worked for us for a long time and give them the opportunity. A lot of them wanted to become teachers; they just didn't have the opportunity when they were younger, so this program allows them that opportunity to do that."

In two years, Board will have completed her master’s in teaching, and she will continue teaching in Hardin County. 

“It's not too late; I don't think it ever is for anybody," Board said. 

According to Hardin County Schools, there are about 75 people benefiting from the program. That includes about 20 high school students who are also going to WKU to pursue a career in education. The remaining 50 are staff members at Hardin County Schools. 

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