In a time of localized teacher shortages, declining interest in teaching, and calls to diversify the educator workforce, states across the country are innovating to transform teacher recruitment, preparation, and hiring. Mississippi stands out for taking a creative approach to addressing critical shortages by piloting three initiatives: Grow Your Own programs to develop local teachers, a state-run teacher residency program, and a pilot program exploring the possibility for teachers to earn a license based on their performance. Though still early, these initiatives provide four key lessons that may help other states create opportunities for growing and diversifying a teacher workforce.