Lamar University and Hamshire-Fannett ISD Expand Teacher Residency Program to Address Educator Shortage

Lamar University and Hamshire-Fannett Independent School District (ISD) have strengthened their collaboration to combat the ongoing teacher shortage by expanding their teacher residency program.

 

Now in its second year, this initiative provides education students with a full-year, hands-on teaching experience, pairing them with seasoned mentor teachers from the first day of school through the end of the academic year.

 

Participants in the program receive a $20,000 stipend, health insurance, and their first year of Texas Retirement System (TRS) benefits.

 

Additionally, they are exempt from the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility (PPR) state certification exam and earn the Enhanced Residency Certificate through Texas.

 

Senior interdisciplinary studies student, Maria Munoz, expressed her enthusiasm: "I'm looking forward to the experience of being in a classroom for an entire school year and meeting students. I am also looking forward to comparing how they start the school year to how they finish."

 

Mentor teacher Kimberly Williamson, a kindergarten teacher at Hamshire-Fannett Elementary with over two decades of experience, shared her perspective: "I’m excited to share my passion and expertise with her all year long, and that she will get to see the amazing progress."

 

The program's success is evident, with all eight residents from the previous year expressing confidence in their preparedness to manage their own classrooms.

 

This partnership not only equips future educators with practical skills but also aims to retain high-quality teachers in the region, addressing the critical need for dedicated educators in Texas schools.

 

For more information about the College of Education and Human Development at Lamar University, visit their official website.