Pathways to Certification

The PACE pathway is a fast track to grow current Mesquite ISD employees to become certified teachers. PACE participants fill a full-time teaching position in an MISD classroom while completing their Bachelor’s degree.

Qualifications: 

• Currently employed by Mesquite ISD

• Have completed at least 50 college hours

Optimal Timeline: 2 ½  years to graduation plus another year for certification

• Apply November to January
• Cohort selected and notified early February
• February to June: Complete Teachworthy modules while continuing to serve in paraprofessional role
• June: 2 day in person Capturing Kids Hearts training
• When modules and training are complete: Eligible to be hired by principal to fill a general education teaching vacancy as a PACE Instructor for pay of $15,000 less than 0-year experience teacher pay on the current MISD Teacher Salary Schedule
• Year 1:  Attend classes each Thursday night from 4:30-6:30 to earn college hours while serving as a PACE Instructor
• Year 2: Attend monthly Thursday night meetings and complete online classes through Indiana Wesleyan University to complete Bachelor's Degree
• Year 3: After graduation, complete internship and certification through Teachworthy.

Cost: no cost to the employee

Applications: Application window opens each November and closes in January

   

 

 

The TEEMM pathway is for education majors or those seeking alternative certification to complete required on-the-job training. 

I. Residency Pathway

This pathway is offered in partnership with the Texas A&M University - Commerce Education Preparation Program (EPP). Students must be recommend by the EPP to complete the teacher residency pathway to certification. Residents will attend and fully participate in faculty meetings, academic team/grade level/departmental meetings, district professional development and Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings. Working with a carefully selected host teacher, residents will prepare the classroom as well as learn about designing classroom policies, procedures and processes that students will follow.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled in the TAMU-Commerce EPP program and working towards a teaching certificate 

• Approved for Teacher Residence by the EPP

• Completed competitive application process

Length of program: full year

Compensation: from $0 to $30,000/year plus benefits depending on selection criteria and budget capacity
 

II. Student Teaching Pathway: 

Student teachers learn to prepare for the classroom and design classroom policies, procedures and processes. Culminating in opportunities to lead classroom instruction under the supervision of a carefully matched host teacher. Student teachers will attend  faculty meetings, academic team/grade level/departmental meetings, district professional development and participate in Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings.

Qualifications:

• Enrolled in EPP program and working towards teaching certificate
• Approved for Student Teaching by the EPP
• Completed competitive application process

Length of Program: one semester

Compensation: varies depending on selection criteria and availability
 

III. Vanguard Model Pathway

A pathway to certification for teacher candidates capitalizing on the architecture and design of Dr. David Vroonland Vanguard High School.

Qualifications: 

• Must be seeking 7 - 12 grade certification in  Math, English or Social Studies
• Enrolled in EPP program and working towards teaching certificate
• Approved for Student Teaching by the EPP
• Complete competitive application process

Length of Program: full school year

Cost: $0 

Compensation: $23,000/semester plus benefits

 

IV. Alternative Certification Pathway 

Alternative certification programs (ACP) provide a pathway to becoming a teacher without a traditional education degree. Teacher Candidates who hold a Bachelor’s degree and have been accepted into an Alternative Certification Program with approval to test are eligible to fill a teaching vacancy in Mesquite ISD.

Alternative Certification Programs are provided by universities, school districts, education service centers, community colleges, and private entities. A list of approved programs from the Texas Education Agency is available. 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in any field
• Accepted into approved ACP with approval to test
• Apply for "Teacher - All levels" position in Mesquite ISD

Length of Program: 1 year

Cost: varies by program and can be deducted from salary

Compensation: 0 year experience salary plus benefits