Celebrating Achievement

The atmosphere at San Antonio College’s Nursing and Allied Health Complex was vibrant with joy as Travis Early College High School (ECHS) held a pinning ceremony for its inaugural cohorts in the Associate of Arts in Teaching program. Distinguished by cheers, tears, and a flurry of photographs taken by proud families, the event marked a significant milestone for the students involved.

The Associate of Arts in Teaching Program

Launched last year, the Associate of Arts in Teaching program at Travis ECHS is designed for students aspiring to enter the field of education or human services. This innovative pathway allows students to earn an associate degree while gaining three years of practical experience, ultimately shortening their route to a bachelor’s degree by two years. This initiative aims to ease the transition from being a student to becoming a full-time certified teacher.

Student Experiences

Noah Urbina, one of the students in the first cohort, shared his journey. A junior at Travis ECHS, Noah has engaged with young learners from pre-kindergarten to middle school. Initially inspired by his family’s background in education, he has discovered his passion through direct classroom experiences. “It’s rewarding,” Urbina remarked, highlighting the personal fulfillment he finds in teaching and the significance of being a role model for younger students.

Curriculum and Practical Experience

Under the guidance of Coordinator and Instructor Clinton Roberson, students in the program learn essential skills, including lesson planning and practical classroom management. They also complete core classes concurrently, allowing them to focus on education-related courses during their university studies. By the time they reach their sophomore year, these students are placed in various San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) classrooms to assist younger children, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.

Partnerships with schools like Mark Twain Dual-Language Academy, Graebner Elementary School, and others provide students with practical exposure, increasing their readiness for a teaching career.

Long-Term Benefits and Financial Support

Students who complete the program and pursue a bachelor’s degree could enter the workforce with five years of education experience, a significant advantage over traditional college routes. However, due to funding constraints, the program currently accepts a limited number of students, with 83 enrolled out of 408 total students at Travis High School.

This initiative has received support from City Education Partners, a nonprofit focused on addressing educational equity in San Antonio. Their involvement is crucial for the sustainability of the program and its growth in the coming years.

Addressing the Teacher Shortage

The teaching program at Travis ECHS is part of a broader strategy to combat the teacher shortage that has plagued the region. In the 2022-23 school year, SAISD faced 230 teacher vacancies, prompting the district to apply for and receive a $113,486 grant from the Texas Education Agency as part of the Grow Your Own initiative. This grant aims to create teacher pipelines within local communities, offering financial incentives for candidates pursuing certifications in high-demand areas such as special education and bilingual education.

The statistics from the 2023-24 academic year underscored the urgency of this initiative, with 1,272 of 4,336 newly hired teachers being uncertified. The goal of Travis ECHS’s program is not just to fill vacancies but to invest in the local community by preparing students who understand and relate to the cultural nuances of their neighborhoods.

The Path Forward

Graduates from Travis ECHS are not guaranteed placement in SAISD; however, the program fosters a deep-rooted connection between future educators and their communities. Roberson expressed this sentiment, stating, “When you draw from the same community, you already understand the culture.” As the demand for certified teachers continues to rise, programs like the one at Travis ECHS represent an essential step towards building a sustainable future for education in San Antonio.