Grow Your Own Teacher (GYOT) Program

Mrs. Lisa Vaughn

Grow Your Own Teacher (GYOT) Coordinator

Sikeston R-6 Schools

(P): 573-472-8850 ext. 2236

(E): lvaughn@spsr6.org

"Grow Your Own Teachers" is a program that was started to help Sikeston Public Schools with teacher shortage and retention.  The purpose is to help students learn about and gain experience in the teaching profession, to mentor them throughout college, and to encourage them to come back to Sikeston to teach.   Two renewable scholarships are given each year in honor of Mr. Murray Sullivan to help students pursue their dream of becoming teachers. The 2023-24 recipients are Kadynce Boardman and Chelsea Thompson.  Kadynce and Chelsea are both attending Southeast Missouri State University and majoring in Early Childhood Education.  

The Grow Your Own Teacher (GYOT) Program is for both high school and college students who are interested in pursuing a career in teaching. High school students in GYOT have the opportunites to take specialized college tours with education speakers. They will also get exposure to teaching with job shadowing, guest speakers, indpendent study for Seniors (students gets to choose level/school working in), and career day presentations. There are also two GYOT designated scholarships that students can qualify for, along with targeted scholarship counseling/information from the GYOT Program Coordinator (and former School Counselor). College students in GYOT can enjoy benefits such as a lending library, professional development opportunities (join real teacher in-services), and student-teaching in Sikeston R-6 School District. 

If you are interested in becoming a teacher, also consider participating in: 

- Cadet Teaching

- Early Childhood SCTC Block Class

-FTA (Future Teachers of America)

GYOT Teachers Hired at Sikeston R-6

Callie Fansler (5^th & 6th), Jared Boyd (Southeast Elementary), Lauren Beydler (Wing Elementary)