Posted on Thursday, December 21, 2023
TSU and HISD leaders during partnership signing ceremony
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) and Texas Southern University (TSU) announced a partnership to train aspiring teachers. Through the initiative, students in TSU’s College of Education will earn their teacher certification and get paid while working as a Teacher Apprentices in HISD’s New Education System (NES) or NES-aligned schools.
“Teachers who serve as apprentices gain practical experience alongside veteran teachers, so they’re often more qualified to lead a classroom than those who have not had student teaching experience,” said HISD Superintendent Mike Miles. “We currently have nearly 500 teacher apprentices in HISD, and they play an important role in supporting our teachers and students. Schools that have teacher apprentices experience fewer disruptions and are better equipped to deliver high-quality instruction every day. One reason is because there is no need for substitutes: If a classroom teacher has to be out, the apprentice—who is familiar with the lesson content and individual students—can jump right in. Through this work with Texas Southern University, we will strengthen our classrooms today and build the pipeline of teachers ready to support our students tomorrow.”
Under the partnership, officially known as the Learning Legacy Pact, TSU students will pursue their bachelor’s degrees in education, taking coursework at TSU while also working four days a week for HISD as Teacher Apprentices. In that role, each Teacher Apprentice will serve alongside a master teacher or several teachers. Teacher Apprentices learn the NES instructional model and effective teaching practices; plan lessons with their assigned teacher(s); co-teach; substitute as necessary; and participate in the same professional development as core teachers. After meeting certain criteria, the Teacher Apprentices are eligible for promotion to teaching positions with HISD.
“Texas Southern University is excited to partner with HISD on the important work of cultivating future educators,” said TSU Board of Regents Chairman Brandon L. Simmons. “The University has been a leader in training educators since it was birthed out of HISD 96 years ago. In forging this partnership, we proudly join with HISD in its efforts to provide next-level instruction to its 185,000 students and prepare those students to be the future of our great city’s workforce. We also look forward to the opportunities for TSU-trained educators to enter the workforce through this pipeline program in the state’s largest school district, as well as the economic opportunities this partnership will unlock.”
The first Teacher Apprentices enrolled in the program will begin work in HISD in January. Additional Teacher Apprentices will be hired shortly thereafter.
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