Brazosport ISD is excited to announce that 10 current district employees, including paraprofessionals and preferred substitutes, are taking the next step in their educational journeys by joining the BISD Teacher Apprenticeship program. These dedicated individuals will officially begin the process of earning their teaching certification in January, furthering the district’s mission to ‘grow our own’ future educators.
Since its inception, the program has provided a transformative pathway for aspiring teachers, allowing them to work toward certification and a bachelor’s degree while gaining hands-on classroom experience under the mentorship of master teachers. Brazosport ISD is the first district in Texas to offer a U.S. Department of Labor-approved K-12 Registered Apprenticeship Program, thanks to its partnership with Brazosport College.
On Tuesday, December 10th, our 10 new apprentices were welcomed during an onboarding session led by Jennifer Farmer, Director of Talent Acquisition and Apprenticeship. Farmer provided guidance on next steps and shared resources to support their success. The program also welcomes a new Apprentice Success Coach, Mrs. Kristen Demland, who will play an essential role in mentoring apprentices and ensuring their smooth transition to certified teaching roles. Brazosport College also participated in the onboarding of our new apprentices.
“This group represents a significant investment in our team,” said Farmer. “They already know and love our students and schools, and we are excited to help them grow into certified teachers who will make an even greater impact in BISD classrooms.”
This new group of teacher apprentices includes Ashley Lashlee, Kristen Birdsill, Tareia Strambler, Aubri Villarreal, Brandon Jones, Priscilla Vasquez, Yadira Herrera, Tara Lusk, Alyiecca Daggs, and Sierra Moore; each bringing a variety of experiences and a shared dedication to student success. Together, they will be ready to take on the classroom and make a lasting impact in BISD.
Since the launch of the Apprenticeship program in 2022, BISD has served 130 Apprentices. Currently, 83 apprentices are active in the program and as of December 2024, 60 program completers are actively teaching in BISD classrooms.
“Brazosport ISD remains committed to developing a robust pipeline of talented educators from within our own community, and this group of apprentices exemplifies that commitment. The Registered Apprentice Program is an innovative solution to the teacher shortage crisis. Congratulations to our future teachers—your BISD family is cheering you on!” said Brazosport ISD Superintendent Danny Massey.
