Teach Forward Houston: How to get a teaching degree for (almost) free
My sister is an elementary school principal, my other sister is a former elementary school teacher, and my sister-in-law is in her first year as an elementary school teacher. Among their in-laws are four teachers and school administrators. So, it would be correct to say that education is the family business.
We need more dedicated teachers. And tuition shouldn’t be an impediment. So I was very pleased to read this news about a new partnership to make it easier for those students who want to become teachers.
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) and the University of Houston (UH) have partnered to offer Teach Forward Houston, a fellowship program for HISD graduates interested in obtaining a degree in education. They will be eligible for free tuition at UH in exchange for teaching four years in HISD after graduation.
“Teach Forward Houston will benefit our communities by bringing highly qualified teachers into the classroom,” said Robert McPherson, dean of the UH College of Education. “The students participating in the program will have the opportunity to study in a Tier One institution, receive the top quality training and ongoing support they need to be successful in the classroom and graduate with little-to-no debt.”
“This program is going to have far-reaching effects,” said HISD Superintendent Terry Grier. “Our graduating seniors won’t just have the opportunity to get free college tuition, they’ll have the opportunity to come back and make a difference in the lives of countless children across the district.”
Anyone interested in becoming a Teach Forward Houston fellow must fulfill admission requirements for University of Houston first, then be accepted into the Teach Forward Houston program. Students also must submit a FAFSA by March 3, 2016.
HISD is going to supplement scholarship and financial aid packages to ensure all tuition is covered for students who are accepted into the university and the program. In return, the students will teach four years in an HISD elementary or middle school.
Other standard college costs — including housing, food, fees, and books — are not included in tuition.
There are two information sessions for those interested:
For more information, go to www.houstonisd.org/teachforwardhouston.
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SOURCE: HISD, UH offer free tuition to students who choose to get degree in education, work in HISD | HISD News Blog
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Sandra Fernandez is a professional communicator, tech enthusiast, book lover, and blogger. You can find her main blog at SandraSays.com and more of her writing at HispanicHouston.com.