OKEECHOBEE —  Okeechobee County Schools will celebrate a major milestone in its Grow Your Own educator pipeline on Friday, Jan. 30 at 6 p.m., honoring six paraprofessionals who have completed their bachelor’s degrees and are graduating into fully certified teaching roles within the district.

The graduation ceremony will take place at the Freshman Campus Auditorium, recognizing the completion of a rigorous, job-embedded teacher preparation program made possible through a partnership with Lake Erie College and BloomBoard.

Through the program, Okeechobee County Schools invested in paraprofessionals already serving in classrooms—supporting them as they earned their degrees while continuing to work with students. In return, each graduate has committed to remain with the district for three years, strengthening stability and continuity for students and schools.

Of the six graduates being honored:

• Five earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education

• One earned a Bachelor of Arts in Intervention Specialist: Mild to Moderate Needs

“These graduates represent the very best of Okeechobee County Schools,” said Superintendent Dylan Tedders. “They chose to grow as educators while continuing to serve our students every day, completing a rigorous two-year, on-the-job program with incredible focus and commitment. They are homegrown leaders who already know our classrooms, our families, and our community, and we are so proud to celebrate this milestone as they step into their roles as fully certified teachers who will continue serving Okeechobee for years to come.”

The initiative reflects Okeechobee County Schools’ proactive approach to addressing teacher shortages by growing talent from within. District leaders emphasized that this graduating cohort is only the beginning. Additional participants from other cohorts are expected to graduate soon, and the district plans to enroll new apprentice teachers, continuing to expand the grow your own programs.

By combining on-the-job learning, academic coursework, and long-term retention commitments, the district is creating a model that benefits educators, students, and the broader community.

Event Details
What: Apprentice Teacher Graduation Ceremony

When: Friday, January 30, 2026 | 6:00 p.m.
Where: Freshman Campus Auditorium
610 SW 2nd Ave., Okeechobee, FL 34974

Community members are welcome to attend and celebrate this achievement.

About Okeechobee Schools

The Okeechobee County School Board serves the students and families of Okeechobee County, providing a comprehensive education that focuses on academic excellence, character development, and community engagement. The district is dedicated to preparing all students for success in college, career, and life.