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St Bernard Parish Public School System

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GYO St. Bernard

GYO St. Bernard

The Grow Your Own (GYO) St. Bernard program targets current para-educators and other support staff who are eligible and interested in transitioning into a teaching career with St. Bernard Parish Public Schools.  

The GYO St. Bernard Program has partnered with REACH University to offer pathways for eligible staff to earn their Bachelor’s degree. Thanks to the financial support of the Meraux Foundation, St. Bernard Parish School System is committed to reimbursing employees enrolled in the program. Reimbursements will be made upon demonstration of successful completion of coursework at the end of each semester. To receive reimbursement, employees must complete the Tuition Reimbursement Request Form found to the right of this page.

By accepting tuition assistance, employees commit to teaching in a St. Bernard Parish school for two years after the completion of the program.

If the employee does not fulfill their commitment to the school system, they will be required to repay any funds received.

Questions or concerns should be directed to Alexandra Schneider at 504-301-2000 or aschneider@sbpsb.org.

WHO

  • Current support staff with excellent performance (paras, secretaries, long term subs)

  • No college coursework or an associates degree 

  • Ability to take courses online - comfortable taking classes online and at night


WHAT

  • Two pathway to receiving a bachelor’s degrees: one for those who need all 4 years and another for those coming into the program with an associates degree

  • Student teaching is job embedded

  • Fully reimbursed through a grant with The Meraux Foundation - $75 per month tuition


HOW

  1. Employee must apply to the university directly

  2. Upon being accepted, employee can fill out an application to be a part of our SBPSB Sponsored Cohort - this includes a recommendation from the principal, a review of performance, and a review of attendance.

  3. Reimbursements will happen per semester and only upon successful completion of coursework. Reimbursement requests will be accepted through an online form found on the district website.


More Information

Fall 2022 Cohort Informational Meeting: August 17 at 4:00 on ZOOM. Request an invitation by clicking here. Please note, this meeting is for those already admitted into REACH University for this fall semester.


Spring 2023 Cohort Informational Meeting: December 7 at 4:00 on Zoom. Request an invitation by clicking here. Please note, this meeting is for those already admitted into REACH University for this spring semester.

Helpful Links

REACH University Cohort Application

Upon being accepted, employees can fill out an application to be a part of our SBPSB Sponsored Cohort - this includes a recommendation from the principal, a review of performance, a review of attendance.

Fall 2022 Cohort: Informational Meeting

If you have been accepted into REACH University for the fall of 2022, please complete the form. All those interested in requesting tuition reimbursement through St. Bernard Parish Public School System must attend this virtual meeting.

Tuition Reimbursement Request

This form must be completed at the end of each semester and successfully completed to request reimbursement for tuition.