Could former students help solve Louisiana’s teacher shortage? New grads return to the Classroom.

KIPP’s Alumni Teaching Force program is addressing Louisiana’s teacher shortage by developing future educators from within its own community. With 1,146 vacancies and only 73% of teachers returning in New Orleans—below the 80% target for stability—hiring and retention are major challenges. In its first year, 17 KIPP students enrolled to gain teaching experience and classroom exposure. This year, 135 students across nine New Orleans high schools have joined similar “grow your own” programs, which provide hands-on experience and a guaranteed teaching job after college. “These programs are breeding local talent rooted in our community and schools,” said Jahquille Ross, chief of talent for New Schools for New Orleans. These initiatives help create a diverse teacher pipeline by training educators who can connect with students and are more likely to remain in the profession.