Human Resources
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:
- Training & Enrollment Fee: $195 - Varnett employees who participate in the Grow Your Own program may have their enrollment fee waived with Teachworthy.
- Internship Cost: Paid over your first 9 months of teaching ($220 per paycheck)
- 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
Email Address: [email protected]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.”