Dallas College has announced the establishment of the Center for Reigniting the Educator Workforce (CREW), a new initiative aimed at tackling the significant shortage of certified educators across Texas. The center will function as the statewide hub for developing and expanding teacher apprenticeships, offering resources and guidance aligned with the priorities of the Tri-Agency Work Group.
Dr. Shawnda Floyd, provost and vice chancellor of Dallas College Workforce Education, emphasized the college's commitment to removing barriers for aspiring teachers. "Earning quality in-classroom experience prior to graduation will open up substantial opportunities for future teachers across Texas," she stated. "Dallas College is proud to play a pivotal role in supporting local education agencies, institutions of higher education and local workforce boards in developing robust pathways into the teaching profession."
The CREW at Dallas College will assist school systems and higher education institutions in creating high-quality teacher apprenticeship programs that alleviate financial burdens, enabling aspiring educators to become teachers. This initiative is informed by the Governor’s Teacher Vacancy task force and builds upon existing state investments like Grow Your Own and Texas Strategic Staffing, all focused on strengthening the teacher talent pipeline.
Jessica McLoughlin, associate commissioner of educator preparation, certification and enforcement at the Texas Education Agency, hailed the center as a "game-changer" for aspiring teachers, providing access to high-quality preparation, coaching, and invaluable classroom experience through innovative partnerships.
The launch of CREW is particularly timely given the unprecedented national teacher staffing challenges and the concerning trend in Texas of uncertified new teacher hires surpassing certified ones for the first time. CREW's goals include addressing persistent educator workforce challenges in high-need areas such as special and bilingual education, as well as in high-need localities like rural communities.
Dr. Wynn Rosser, commissioner of higher education for the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, underscored the importance of well-prepared educators for the success of Texas students across all levels of education. He believes that strengthening the connections between higher education and classrooms will cultivate a new generation of teachers equipped to meet the diverse needs of Texas students.
The CREW at Dallas College will serve as a vital resource for regional hubs and apprenticeship collaborators, providing tools, training, and technical assistance to support the design and sustainable funding of apprenticeship pathways that address critical workforce needs.
This summer, CREW will launch collaborative work groups involving higher education institutions, workforce boards, school systems, education service centers, and nonprofits. Selected collaboratives will become future teacher apprenticeship regional hubs, playing a crucial role in scaling the apprenticeship model and quality guidelines statewide to ensure a sustainable and high-quality talent pipeline for Texas schools.
Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Bryan Daniel affirmed the commission's commitment to supporting the expansion of teacher apprenticeship programs across the state, recognizing their role in connecting aspiring educators with successful careers while meeting the state's demand for teachers.
For inquiries regarding the Center for Reigniting the Educator Workforce, please contact Sara DeLano, CREW founding executive director, at SDeLano@DallasCollege.edu.
