This week, Brazosport ISD celebrated the dedication and passion of its current teacher apprentices during the BISD Teacher Apprenticeship Milestone Celebration, which was held at River Place in Freeport. The event honored both current and future apprentices and marked a significant step in addressing the current teacher shortage.
The BISD Teacher Apprenticeship Program, a collaborative effort between BISD, Brazosport College, and other related training providers, was initiated to help alleviate the teacher shortage and attract former BISD graduates to come back and serve future students. Since it began in 2022, the program has successfully served 117 teacher apprentices, showcasing the community's commitment to guiding the next generation of educators.
"Brazosport ISD has created an innovative solution to the critical need for teachers," said BISD Superintendent Danny Massey. “This will ensure that we have a highly trained and prepared teacher in every classroom."
The event commemorated new beginnings and paid homage to existing apprentices. Five high school seniors—Aleah Aluiso, Brandy Cardenas, Jayden Gerlach, and Amaya Tristan-Ramos from Brazosport High School, and Valeria Ibarra from Brazoswood High School—signed on to the program, marking the start of their journey towards becoming teachers.
The district also unveiled a new look and brand for the program, now known as enrichED Pathways. This rebranding reflects the program's dedication to enriching the educational journeys of aspiring teachers and emphasizes the importance of continuous growth and development in education.
The spotlight of the evening also illuminated former apprentices who are now teachers in their very own classrooms, and the impact the program has had on their lives and their journey in becoming teachers. Their perseverance and dedication serves as a light of inspiration, underscoring the transformative effect of collaboration in education and the significant impact of the apprenticeship program on their first year of teaching.
With their sights set on shaping the minds of tomorrow, the district’s current and future teacher apprentices embark on a journey with infinite possibilities. Guided by passion and dedication, they are paving the way for a brighter future in education, one step at a time.