Left: A teacher works with students in a Dallas Independent School District elementary school classroom. Right: A teacher works with pre-kindergarten students through UT Dallas’ Child Development and Family Studies program. [Photos: UNT Dallas]
A partnership between The University of North Texas at Dallas and the Dallas Independent School District is launching a first-of-its-kind teacher training program through which five University of North Texas at Dallas seniors, all education majors, will be paid to teach elementary schools in the Dallas Independent School District for the entire 2024-25 school year.
“I’m really excited to be in the classroom,” Valerie Castaneda, one of the program participants, said in a statement. “Ultimately, I’m confident this program will provide me with valuable experience that will benefit me in my career.”
UNT Dallas said the new arrangement between the Dallas School of Education and the Dallas Independent School District builds on an existing relationship to prepare college students for real-world situations and make them “job-ready” after graduation. It also serves as a recruiting tool for the Dallas Independent School District, helping to build a pipeline of future teachers.
“Research shows that candidates who undergo residency-based clinical experiences improve teacher retention and student learning,” said Christine Lemley, dean of the UNT Dallas School of Education. “School districts, student teachers and, most importantly, students will benefit from this.”
“The best way to learn is by doing it.”
The five UNT Dallas School of Education seniors will start their jobs Aug. 1, when Dallas Independent School District teachers begin the school year with professional development and preparation days. Classes begin Aug. 12.
The older students will teach kindergarten through second grade. Three will be assigned to Nancy J. Cochran Elementary School in west Oak Cliff and two to Maple Lawn Elementary School in northwest Dallas. They will teach multiple subjects in bilingual and English as a second language classes, according to UT Dallas.
Trainee teachers will receive up to $30,000 in compensation and full benefits, and will also participate in the Texas Teachers Retirement System and start their early-stage 401(a) defined benefit plan.
UNT Dallas said it budgeted for the program through a strategic staffing model with assistance from Sandra Baptista, student teacher and special initiatives coordinator for the Dallas Independent School District.
“I hope to complete the Dallas Independent School District Teacher Training Program feeling more confident and prepared for my first year of teaching on my own. I believe the best way to learn is through hands-on experience, so I’m excited to be able to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom in the field,” said Kennedy Barbre, one of five students in the program’s inaugural class.
The Dallas Independent School District will host a job fair for aspiring and current teachers on August 8th from 4-6pm at Dr. L.G. Pinkston High School.
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