What you need to know
In addition to an in-person information session Feb. 19, Hutto ISD will hold a virtual information session from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Feb. 20 for those interested in the teaching apprenticeship program. Similar to the in-person session, interested parties are asked to register for the virtual information session here.
Starting this fall, HISD will offer full-time positions that pair an aspiring teacher with a mentor as they complete their degree and certification requirements. The program is similar to the district's existing residency program, which allows college students in their senior year to teach in the classroom.
The district will pay for both tuition and certification of participants, who will fill paraprofessional openings throughout the district, Superintendent Raul Peña said, combatting a shortage of staff.
About the program
Cara Malone, HISD's assistant superintendent of human resources, said successful applicants to the program must be accepted to a college or junior college. Applicants will fall into four "ramps" based on the number of credit hours earned prior to applying for the program.
The last tier of credit hours, 90-120, will fall under the district's teacher resident program, according to the district. Malone said participants will complete their coursework and certification outside of school hours and receive one half-day of training from a certified teacher each month to learn new educational strategies.
She said the district is partnering with seven others across the state through a fellowship funded by the Department of Labor to offer the apprenticeship. She said HISD is the first district to do so in Central Texas.
What else?
Those interested in the program can reach the district via email at [email protected], or visit www.hipponation.org/apprenticeship. The district will hold an information session on the program at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the district's human resources cottage at 200 College St., Hutto. The application for the apprenticeship will open Feb. 20.
