Dallas ISD has partnered with the University of North Texas at Dallas to help more men of color become teachers

Dallas ISD has partnered with the University of North Texas at Dallas to help more men of color become teachers.

UNTD initiatives in this area include THRIVE (Teach, Hope, Respond, Inspire, Value, and Empower) from the School of Education, as well as a recent collaboration with Call Me MISTER®, a national program started 20 years ago by Dr. Roy Jones at Clemson University. The mission of Call Me MISTER® (acronym in English Mentors who instruct students to be role models) is to increase the availability of teachers from diverse cultures.

The goal of the collaboration between Dallas ISD, UNTD, and Clemson University is to open possibilities for those who want to be teachers. Dallas ISD P-TECH students who graduate with a major in the field of education will be able to attend UNT Dallas and earn teacher certifications to return and teach in Dallas ISD.

“Research shows that students who have teachers who look like them are more successful,” said John Vega, deputy chief of Human Capital Management.

“It was very exciting to see a Dallas ISD teacher, Eric Hale, become the first African-American male to be named Texas Teacher of the Year,” added Lisa D. Hobson, PhD, professor and interim dean of the UNT School of Education. Dallas “He is an inspiring and motivating example that will help us move forward.”

Dallas ISD is strategic and innovative in recognizing quality teachers like Eric Hale with the Teaching Excellence Initiative (TEI). Hale is one of the highest paid teachers in the district thanks to TEI, allowing him to continue in his profession.

“This is a triple chance for men seeking to be teachers. They can make a difference in the lives of students, have a stable career and possibly earn a high salary in Dallas ISD, ”said Hobson.

P-TECH programs with education majors are found at Sunset High School, WT White High School, WW Samuel High School, and Bryan Adams High School. Additionally, Lincoln High School will offer a specialization in education beginning in the fall of 2021.

Current 8th grade students interested in the P-TECH education major should visit dallasisd.org/dallasisdesparati for more information and to submit an application for admission.

Teaching is a rigorous career for the best prepared and can include flashy monetary incentives in Dallas ISD. Hobson wants young people to know that “This is a calling. It is an opportunity. It is a destination ”.

In this regard, it is announced that five men are ready to be part of the spring group of The Adjunct Teacher Dallas Residency Program, an initiative to bring professional African American men to Dallas ISD as licensed teachers who will teach next semester.

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