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Renton School District

Renton GREAT Program

GREAT - Growing Renton Educators to Accelerate Teaching

GREAT (Growing Renton Educators to Accelerate Teaching) is RSD's "Grow Your Own" initiative and a central strategy for achieving the goals of the RSD Strategic Plan. GREAT is our teacher pathway program that aims to get current RSD paraeducators on the road to a teaching certificate based on needs and level of educational attainment by eliminating financial barriers. 
 
Click HERE to submit your application to be part of the GREAT program for 2026-27!
What is GREAT?

GREAT supports current RSD paraeducators with funds to obtain their teacher certification while continuing to work in their positions with pay and benefits. GREAT began as a signature strategy for diversifying our teacher workforce to be more reflective of the students served.

GREAT provides access to two types of funding:

  • The Developing Educator Workforce Grant (DEWG) provides funds for candidate conditional loan scholarships and program, district, and mentor supports. 
  • The New Schools Venture Fund Grant provides last dollar aid to paraprofessionals of color working to obtain their teacher certification. The money can be used to fill any funding gaps (tuition, sub release time) after financial aid grants and scholarships are applied so that participants exit their programs debt free. This aid may be combined with the DEWG grant scholarship if needed.

How does it work?

  • Paraprofessionals who are selected for the program continue in full-time positions, retain benefits and pay while attending classes at one of RSD's partner universities.
  • Tuition assistance (last dollar aid) depending on program
  • Release time for internships and trainings as needed
  • Guaranteed employment with RSD in a certificated teaching position in high-need school or subject for 3 years following successful completion of the program

Application Process & Resources

The GREAT application for the 2026-27 school year is now open! Click HERE to begin your application. Submissions will be reviewed beginning April 17, 2026.

Please see below for more information and resources about GREAT and the application process.

For other questions or additional information about GREAT, please reach out to the RSD Recruitment Team at human.resources@rentonschools.us.