Ector County ISD announced on Tuesday the approval of a Registered Apprenticeship Program for Teachers. This unique initiative is aimed at revolutionizing teacher education and professional learning, while also addressing the financial barriers associated with pursuing a bachelor’s degree, a press release said.
The ECISD Registered Apprentice Program will provide aspiring teachers with a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience. Unlike traditional student teaching programs which last only a few weeks, apprentices will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers for a period of years while they are in school, gaining valuable classroom experience, mentorship, and developing practical skills that are essential for success in teaching. The Registered Apprentice Program works in conjunction with already established teacher development pipelines like Future Teachers of Odessa, Odessa Pathway to Teaching and OC2UTPB Teach in 3. Participants will combine the classroom experience with rigorous college classwork and be better prepared to make a seamless transition into a teaching career, the release said.
“This newly established Registered Apprenticeship Program for teachers at ECISD empowers individuals to embark on a journey of professional growth like never before,” said ECISD Superintendent Dr. Scott Muri in the release. “This innovative initiative not only bridges the gap between theory and practice but also makes higher education dreams a reality. Through this program, teachers can pursue a bachelor’s degree with their tuition and fees fully funded, all while actively contributing to our dynamic learning community and earning a well-deserved paycheck.”
A significant benefit of this program is the fact tuition and fees associated with earning a bachelor’s degree in education will be covered, and apprentices earn a paycheck while working in the school district. ECISD will also have the ability to use high-level funding opportunities that could further remove obstacles to earning a bachelor’s degree.
“Ector County ISD has been a leader in their human capital efforts not only in Texas but the nation,” said David Donaldson, founder of the National Center for Grow Your Own, in the release. “Now they will have another tool in their toolkit with registered apprenticeships to remove financial barriers for aspiring teachers.”
The opportunity to partner with, and draw upon the expertise of, teacher-prep programs at Odessa College (OC) and the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) makes this opportunity even more attractive for future teachers, the release said.
“We are so proud of the assertive and creative steps ECISD has taken to combat the teacher shortage that many communities are experiencing,” said Odessa College President Dr. Gregory Williams in the release. “The Registered Apprenticeship Program will offer an additional low or no cost option for people who want to pursue this wonderful and highly rewarding career that we call teaching.”
“We are so happy to partner with ECISD on this initiative,” University of Texas Permian Basin President Dr. Sandra Woodley said in the release. “One of our most important strategic goals at UT Permian basin is to support school districts by educating the next generation of teachers. This opportunity is a win-win for all of us, especially students.”
Ector County ISD is committed to growing a local pool of highly-qualified teachers to serve our students, families and community. When school opened in August 2019, ECISD had more than 350 teacher vacancies, when school started this year that number was 42. The improvement coming as the direct result of focused, strategic efforts to draw new people into the teaching profession, provide the support they need to succeed, and compensate them well. This becomes ECISD’s ninth innovative initiative dedicated to recruiting, retaining and/or rewarding teachers, the OC2UTPB Teach in 3 fast-track program is an additional way to a teaching degree, the release said.
“As we invest in the development of our educators, we simultaneously create better educational experiences for our students,” added Dr. Muri. “This is a significant stride forward in our commitment to nurturing talent, fostering growth, and crafting a brighter future for all.”
ECISD’s Registered Apprenticeship Program for Teachers is approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. Read more about the collaboration between the Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Education at tinyurl.com/5733y9fb.
ECISD’s program includes generous financial support from the Permian Strategic Partnership.
Those interested in becoming a teacher are encouraged to contact the ECISD Talent Development Department at 432-456-0081, and explore the various teacher pipelines offered by the district.
