The Allen County School District in partnership with Western Kentucky University has launched the Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship Program. This groundbreaking initiative is aimed at developing and retaining high-quality educators from within the local Allen County community.
“This innovative program supports local graduates as they pursue full teacher certification while gaining hands-on experience as instructional assistants in our schools,” explained Joseph Cosby, P3 Program Director Perkin's Innovation & Modernization Grant. “Apprentices will receive mentorship and on-the-job training in addition to academic coursework through WKU. This initiative not only strengthens our teacher pipeline but also creates meaningful career opportunities for our students and alumni.”
Cosby introduced the first cohort of apprentices—all graduates of Allen County-Scottsville High School—who have been accepted into the WKU program and will begin their journeys during the 2025–2026 school year.
The first participants are Kelsey Herrington, Riley Roy, Preston Wimpee, and Joliene Williams.
Herrington---a 2025 ACSHS graduate---was a Dual credit and Early College completer and a Teaching and Learning Pathway completer while at AC-SHS. Roy---also a 2025 AC-SHS graduate was a Dual credit and Early College participant and Teaching and Learning Pathway completer. Wimpee graduated in 2022 and is a current paraprofessional basketball coach at AC-SHS. He plans to pursue certification in Exceptional Child Education. Williams was a 2023 AC-SHS graduate who was a Teaching and Learning Pathway completer and a dual credit student.
“These individuals represent the best of Allen County—committed, capable, and eager to give back to the schools that shaped them,” Cosby noted. “We look forward to watching them grow as educators and impact the next generation of students.”
Cosby added, “The Grow Your Own initiative is a key part of our long-term vision to invest in our local talent, promote career pathways in education, and ensure our students are served by teachers who are deeply rooted in our community.”
For additional information or to schedule interviews with program leaders or apprentices, please contact Cosby at joseph.cosby@allen.kyschools.us.