Voices from the Pipeline — Inside Renton School District’s Grow-Your-Own Model

Описание: This is a video podcast of our complete conversation with Carla Smith and those involved with their Teacher Academy model at Renton Public Schools in Washington. Recorded on February 11, 2026 focused on the partnerships that help shape future educators.

0:00 Introduction
3:00 Introducing the Dream Team
4:48 Starting Out in 2008
6:25 Diana's Journey
8:11 Manuel's Journey
9:12 Abner's Journey
11:30 Alex's Journey
13:06 Participation in National Competitions
15:25 Paid and Unpaid Internship Opportunities
16:44 What drew you to the Teacher Academy?
22:58 Derrick's Journey
24:59 Starting a Program
31:58 Introducing the Teacher Leaders
35:49 Continuity of Support from High School through Career
40:34 Developing a Culture of Belonging
47:23 Logistics and Cooperation Across the District
52:44 Why We're Invested in this Work
1:04:42 Offer to Learn from One Another

In this conversation, leaders and graduates from Renton School District in Washington share how their Teacher Academy and Educators Rising program is building a powerful “grow your own” teacher pipeline. What started as a small high school program now supports more than 150 students and has helped graduates return as paraeducators and full-time teachers.

Hear firsthand how dual credit, paid internships, mentorship, and strong partnerships with Central Washington University are helping students discover their passion for teaching and stay connected all the way into their careers.

This is the story of how one district is turning high school students into the next generation of educators—and what others can learn from their investment in the pipeline.