Grow Your Own Program

At The Varnett Public School District, we provide you with the tools you need to succeed. As a leading Charter School District in the greater Houston Area, we are committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining effective teachers. Application to this program required. Send information requests to [email protected] include in the subject line "Grow Your Own Program Info Request".

Come join us now!

Grow Your Own:

The Grow Your Own (GYO) program gives The Varnett Public School the ability and resources to help VPS paraprofessionals, aides, and substitutes transition into teaching roles. 

Benefits:

• Discount code provided for the registration fee
• Capturing Kids’ Hearts - Professional development
• Blended coursework/additional coursework support
• Assistance in finding a position
• Informational sessions
• Two-year mentorship

 Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a 2.5 GPA or above. (Health Science Technology and Trades & Industrial Education certifications are exempt from the bachelor’s degree requirement)
• Official University Transcripts (must be verified in the US)
• Acceptance into Teachworthy, Alternative certification Program (ACP)

Teachworthy and Assessment Costs:

1. Training & Enrollment Fee: $195 - Varnett employees who participate in the Grow Your Own program may have their enrollment fee waived with Teachworthy.
2. Internship Cost: Paid over your first 9 months of teaching ($220 per paycheck)
3. Exam Cost: $118.87 Per Exam

Steps to Achieving a Teacher Certification:

Definition of terms:

• ACP - Alternative Certification Program.
• Internship - ACP candidate’s first year of teaching under the supervision of a certified field trainer.
• Observation hours - Observing educators within the classroom and/or online.
• Student teaching - One semester of teaching under the supervision of a certified teacher and guidance from a field trainer instead of an internship.
• Field trainer - An educator from the ACP program who observes and supports teacher growth.
• TExES - Texas Examinations of Educator Standards.
• PPR - Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities
• edTPA - Educational Teacher Performance Assessment

Accredited ACP programs:

(There are various ACP programs available in Texas. It is important to choose one that fits your individual needs.)

• Teachworthy
• Texas Teachers of Tomorrow
• iteach TEXAS
• etools 4 Education
• Inspire Texas
• University/Community College-based programs

Certification requirements + PPR/edTPA (TExES, PPR) :

Pre-K - 6th Grade

• EC-6
• Science of Teaching Reading (new Jan 1, 2021)
• ESL supplemental

Middle School

• Core subjects 4-8
• 4-8 Math
• 4-8 Science
• 4-8 ELAR + ESL + Science of Teaching Reading
• 4-8 Social Studies
• 4-8 ELAR and Social Studies + ESL + Science of Teaching Reading
• 4-8 Math and Science

High School

• 7-12 ELAR + ESL
• 7-12 content area

Contact Information:

Andrea Simon, Human Resources Specialist and Student Teacher Partner

Phone: 713-726-7612 Ext. 112

 For additional information on available programs, please visit www.tea.state.tx.us and select "Becoming a Texas Teacher.”