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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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What is the Teacher Preparation Program?
The Teacher Preparation Program (TPP) is a collaborative initiative among Dallas County independent school districts, the Dallas County Community College District and area public universities to address the critical teacher shortage. The kindergarten-through-college program is the first of its kind in the country. It is specifically designed to attract, encourage and mentor students interested in teaching, and also to provide substantial financial aid and guarantee jobs in local schools.
Why was the program formed?
The U.S. Department of Education estimates the nation will need 2.3 million new teachers over the next decade due to several factors:
- A growing number of students,
- Decreased class sizes,
- High teacher turnover rates, and
- The pending retirement of Baby Boom teachers.
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The task of finding enough teachers to fill these jobs is daunting, but urban school districts face the added challenge of attracting teachers who are bilingual and capable of working with a multicultural student population. Rather than trying to compete for these teachers, educational leaders in Dallas County opted to band together to create a program that will transform Dallas-area students into Dallas-area teachers.
Which educational institutions participate in the TPP program?
Dallas County independent school districts, Dallas County Community College District and area public universities, including Texas A&M University-Commerce, Texas Woman's University, the University of North Texas, and the University of Texas at Arlington are involved.
These educational institutions are working together to develop a clearly defined teacher education curriculum that ensures participants in the TPP program will move seamlessly from one educational institution to the next - middle school to high school to DCCCD, and from DCCCD to a participating four-year university.
How does the TPP program work?
Dallas County public schools are reviving and expanding the role of Future Teachers of America clubs to enable students to explore the rewards and benefits of teaching. Students in the TPP program receive support and encouragement every step of the way, beginning in elementary school and continuing through college and into the workplace. Dedicated professionals within each institution offer hands-on teaching opportunities, tutoring, mentoring, career counseling and personalized introductions to college level teacher education programs. They also help students and their parents navigate the educational system by providing information on specific teaching paths available at different colleges and by offering advice about how to prepare for entrance exams, complete college applications and apply for financial aid.
Who can participate in the TPP program?
Any Dallas County student may participate in the program. Students can enter TPP at any point in their academic career - elementary school, middle school, high school or upon entering college. However, results from the pilot program indicate the earlier students enter the program, the more they benefit from the overall experience, particularly the chance to form close ties with peers, teachers, academic advisors and program sponsors.
Do students have to meet any specific educational requirements to participate in the TPP program?
Students participating in the program while in elementary, middle and high school must maintain passing grades. Any student who qualifies for admission to DCCCD is eligible for the TPP program and can select from several DCCCD teacher education offerings. TPP participants must pass the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) and meet a participating university's admissions requirements before transferring to a four-year educational institution.
What kind of financial aid is available for participants in the TPP program?
Participants in the TPP program may apply for federal and state student grants, work-study programs and loans. They also may be eligible for DCCCD's Rising Star program, which pays tuition, books and fees for qualifying students. Students interested in becoming bilingual teachers also can apply for scholarships through the BEEP program and Building Futures in Education. Students and parents can contact the TPP project leader at the nearest participating campus to discuss, in English or Spanish, financial aid opportunities for students who want to become teachers.
How can students join the program?
Simply complete the posted application and submit it to the TPP project leader at your current school, or mail it to the project leader at the college you hope to attend. Feel free to contact any TPP project leader for answers to specific questions. |
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