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Teachers certified in the TechTeach Across Texas program arrive at school districts prepared specifically for Hill Country communities. Contributed -
Texas Tech is changing the TechTeach Across Texas program from a one-year accelerated program to a twoyear program to meet the needs of “non-traditional students.” Contributed
To give more Hill Country college students the opportunity to pursue a career as a teacher, Texas Tech University has adjusted the speed of its TechTeach Across Texas educator preparation program.
Starting in fall 2021 for Hill Country students, TechTeach Across Texas will be offered in a twoyear format instead of the current, accelerated one-year format. Students will still experience the program’s signature teaching residency and earn a bachelor’s degree and teaching certification upon completion, but they will do so at a more relaxed pace.
The goal of the change is to better meet the needs of nontraditional college students in the Hill Country area. Over the past three years, 94 percent of TechTeach Across Texas students from the area have been non-traditional, meaning they are older and often work while going to school.
“The accelerated, one-and-done format is nice, but it is also incredibly rigorous, and students can’t work while in the program,” TechTeach Across Texas Advisor Michele Hicks said in a press release. “The area’s cost of living and demographics are such that most students are non-traditional and need the flexibility to work at least part time.”
Hill Country students who enter the program participate in a yearlong teaching residency at either Marble Falls or Fredericksburg independent school districts (ISDs), where they work alongside an expert mentor teacher four days a week.
Texas Tech faculty members called site coordinators are also based at the school districts to provide mentorship and guidance. Most coursework is completed online, but students will also have a face-to-face class each semester with their local site coordinator.
Admission to the program requires an Associate of Arts in Teaching degree, or equivalent coursework, usually earned locally at Central Texas College.
“It is very exciting that Texas Tech is adjusting the experience for Hill Country students based on their needs,” Marble Falls ISD Superintendent Chris Allen said. “We like to hire TechTeach Across Texas graduates because they are prepared within our community, specifically for our schools. They are able to begin their careers with the skills and experience of a second-year teacher.”
TechTeach Across Texas is a clinically intensive, competency-based educator preparation program offered by Texas Tech in partnership with school districts and community colleges around Texas. The program focuses on meeting the unique needs of aspiring teachers who wish to remain in their home communities.
