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Mesquite ISD

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  3. Pathways to Certification

Pathways to Certification

Pathways to Certification

A circular logo with a gold 'M' and a star, surrounded by a blue ring with the words 'Professional Learning' and 'MISD'.

 

Contact Us

Jennifer Hiser
Director of
Professional Learning
972-882-7533

Schedule a Virtual Visit

Mesquite ISD sets the PACE in teacher preparation excellence.

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

Need to Start or Finish Your Degree?
Find your path by completing a bachelor’s degree through a college or university program. These time and cost-efficient programs are currently available through these local higher education partners: 

Pride Pathway at TAMU - Commerce

Dallas College Bachelor of Education

How to Begin the PACE Pathway

PACE Application Process

Application: 30 Points
Full credit for coherent, thoughtful, and reflective responses to the open-answer questions from the application

Interview: 20 Points
Full credit for strong, thoughtful, complete responses to a few questions in a brief, virtual interview panel

Recommendations: 50 Points
The applicant provides recommendations from the following three categories via a Google form. Responses will be directed to the PACE Program Selection Committee:

  • Principal (30 Points)
  • Supervisory Teacher or Supervisor (15 Points)
  • Colleague (5 Points)

 

Qualifications: 

  • Currently employed by Mesquite ISD
  • Have completed at least 50 college hours

Cost: no cost to the employee

Applications: Application window opens each November and closes in January

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

  • Apply from November to January
  • Cohort selected and notified in early February

February to June: Complete Teachworthy modules while continuing to serve in a paraprofessional role

  • June: 2-day in-person Capturing Kids Hearts training
  • When modules and training are complete, participants are eligible to be hired by the principal to fill a general education teaching vacancy as a PACE Instructor for a salary of $15,000, less than a 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 a Bachelor's Degree

Year 3: After graduation, complete an internship and certification through Teachworthy.
 

Additional Pathways

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

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

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

 

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 the EPP program and working towards a 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

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:

Length of Program: 1 year

Cost: varies by program and can be deducted from salary

Compensation: 0 year experience salary plus benefits

  • 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

  • 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

     

  • 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 the EPP program and working towards a 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

  • 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:

    Length of Program: 1 year

    Cost: varies by program and can be deducted from salary

    Compensation: 0 year experience salary plus benefits

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