We believe this collaborative approach will not only benefit our region but provide a model for public school systems and higher-education institutions across the state.
In working with North Texas young people, it quickly becomes clear the economic pressures upon them are great. In order for them to seriously consider a career in education, we have to provide a pathway that allows flexibility for full-time workers and won’t saddle students with burdensome debt. This is exactly what the Dallas ISD partnership with TNTP and Dallas College does.
Dallas College students and faculty will receive more than financial support from the partnership, including coaching, mentorship, on-the-job training and job placement. In addition, Dallas ISD committed to employing around 200 of the college’s education students over the next two years as early elementary teacher assistants while they finish their studies. At around $30,000 each, this is an additional $6 million investment in Dallas College education students by Dallas ISD.
Once Dallas College students graduate with their bachelor’s degrees from Dallas College they will have full-time teaching jobs waiting for them in Dallas ISD with a first-year salary of $60,000. This spring, Dallas College will graduate its first class of early childhood baccalaureate students, about 125 students. Another 100 students from the first cohort of students are on pace to graduate in the winter, a 90% completion rate. Thanks to the significant demand of the $79 per credit hour degree, we expect the number of graduates to grow up to 500 a year or more.