Hays CISD partners with Texas Teachers of Tomorrow to help fill vacancies

Amira Van Leeuwen | Staff Reporter

The Hays CISD school board approved $137,000 and partnered with Texas Teachers of Tomorrow to assist teachers obtain certifications. 

The “Grow Your Own” program funds will be distributed in-house first and are expected to support up to 20 teachers or district employees to get needed certifications.

HCISD Chief of Human Resources Officer Dr. Fernando Medina said HCISD has 83 employees with Bachelor’s Degrees and 12 employees with Master’s Degrees that are not certified in teaching.

“I think the right thing to do is invest in our people that we have now, and once we’ve given those opportunities here, we’re going to start looking externally,” Medina said.

The “Grow Your Own” program also aims to aid in teacher vacancies. According to Medina, the district has had between 12 to 25 vacancies throughout the year, mainly in Special Education or Bilingual Education.

HCISD chose Texas Teachers of Tomorrow because of their passing rates. Texas Teachers of Tomorrow has a 74% retention rate and has certified about 70,000 teachers.

The district hopes to have a five-year memorandum of understanding with teachers for a mutual level of support and commitment. Dr. Medina said he encourages teachers to work for HSCISD because of their strong focus on teaching and creating an employee-friendly working environment.

“We want you [teachers] to commit to investing in your career with our students. It’s about having shared values, shared commitment, shared goals around serving the Hays Community,” Medina said.