PLU Hometown Teacher Prep Program

HOMETOWN TEACHER PREP PROGRAM

Do you dream of teaching, inspiring, and leading the next generation? The PLU School of Education has partnered with Franklin Pierce Schools and Tacoma Public Schools to create the PLU Hometown Teacher Prep Program to support students in their goals to become excellent teachers and make a positive impact in their home communities.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

  • If you’re selected, you’ll be part of a cohort (a group that goes through the program together) to get intentional support and mentorship throughout your PLU education
  • You’ll receive the free tuition 253 PLU Bound Scholarship
  • You’ll get hands-on experience and access to job opportunities as a college student in your home district
  • You are guaranteed a job interview in your home district once you’ve graduated from PLU!

HOW TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE PROGRAM

  • You must be a student in Franklin Pierce Schools or Tacoma Public Schools
  • Have a 3.0 or higher weighted GPA and be College Bound Scholarship eligible
  • Apply to PLU for FREE via Common App or the Automatic Admission* form AND submit your FAFSA or WASFA form by May 1, 2025
  • Be admitted to PLU and plan to major in Education (K-8), Kinesiology for Health & Fitness Education, Music Education, or pursue PLU’s 4+1 route to a Master’s in Education
  • Complete the Hometown Prep Program application by the May 15, 2025 deadline

*Unsure if you qualified for Automatic Admission? First, check your email and look for the subject line “you’ve been automatically admitted to PLU”. Still unsure? Connect with your PLU Admission Counselor.

Timeline

  • Apply to PLU by May 1, 2025
  • Submit your FAFSA or WASFA by May 1, 2025
  • Complete the Hometown Teacher Prep Program application by May 15, 2025
  • Students selected for the program will be notified by the end of May

ALREADY ADMITTED TO PLU?

START YOUR HOMETOWN TEACHER PREP PROGRAM APPLICATION HERE!

DEADLINE: MAY 15, 2025

If we have determined based on your FAFSA or WASFA that you are College Bound and 253 PLU Bound eligible, we will add the application to your PLU student applicant portal as a checklist item. Please note that you will need to log-in to your PLU student applicant portal to access the application.

APPLY FOR HOMETOWN TEACHER PREP PROGRAM

FAQs

Click on each arrow/question below to expand and see the answer.

If if get selected, what is the cohort commitment?

The PLU School of Education will work with you throughout your time as a student to provide academic and co-curricular support and mentorship. As a member of the Hometown Teacher Prep Program cohort, you must major in Education (K-8), Kinesiology for Health & Fitness Education, Music Education, or pursue PLU’s 4+1 route to a Master’s in Education, and you’ll be expected to participate in 4-5 cohort meetings per year.

What will the job opportunities be in my home district as a PLU student?

You’ll be eligible for different student-facing job opportunities throughout the academic year, which will be determined by your home district.

Will I automatically get hired by my home district after graduating from PLU?

As part of our partnership with your home school district, you’ll be guaranteed an interview with your home district, but employment is not automatic or guaranteed after you graduate from PLU.

What happens if I change my mind and don't want to become a teacher? Will I lose my scholarship?

You will not lose your 253 PLU Bound Scholarship if you decide to change your major and/or no longer pursue one of PLU’s education pathways, but you will no longer be able to be a participant in the Hometown Teacher Prep Program cohort.

I am not College Bound Scholarship eligible. Can I apply for the Hometown Teacher Prep program?

This program is only available for and we will only accept applications from College Bound eligible students from the participating districts.

But that shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your passion to be an educator! The PLU School of Education, and the Kinesiology and Music departments would be thrilled to welcome you as a student into their excellent programs to train and develop impactful teachers.

Education Options at PLU

Elementary Education (K-8)

A student teacher stands at a desk with a young student. Both are looking at a book on the desk together. In the background are other students.

PLU has one of the most respected education programs in the region, with an emphasis on relational teaching and socially just, equity-focused instruction.

Music Education

An orchestra rehearsal in PLU's Lagerquist Concert Hall

PLU music professors are dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering an inclusive learning environment. 100% of PLU Music Education graduates find jobs within six months!

Health & Fitness Education

Students do exercises outside during a kinesiology class on campus

In the Kinesiology for Health & Fitness major, you’ll get to work closely with nationally-renowned professors and be prepared to support lifelong physical activity and wellbeing in your students.

Secondary Education (6-12)

A PLU student teacher leans over a table with two middle school students.

When you pursue the 4+1 program (four years to a Bachelor’s degree plus one year to a Master’s in Education), you have 20 different endorsements (areas to teach) to choose from!