Tomball ISD launches 'Grow Your Own' program to support aspiring teachers

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Tomball Independent School District is excited to announce the launch of its Grow Your Own program, which will offer a no-cost pathway to support current staff who aspire to become teachers and earn their Texas teaching certification.

Through the Grow Your Own program, current Tomball ISD staff who currently hold an associate degree (or equivalent to 60 credits) will be able to earn their bachelor's degree and Texas teaching license while working full-time as a classroom paraprofessional.

"With the launch of the Tomball ISD Grow Your Own program, we are not just building a pipeline for future educators; we are empowering our dedicated employees to reach their full potential,” said Dr. Alicia Reeves, Tomball ISD Assistant Superintendent of Human Talent. “This initiative reflects our commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and ensuring a brighter future for our students and community."

The program was generously supported by a $450,000 grant from the Houston Endowment, which will help fund partnerships with educator preparation programs from Texas public institutions of higher education to prepare future teachers. Tomball ISD chose to partner with the University of Houston-Downtown and Texas Woman’s University.

"The Grow Your Own program is an incredible opportunity for Tomball ISD to build a strong pipeline, supporting those who aspire to make a difference as future teachers," said Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, Tomball ISD Superintendent of Schools. "We are extremely thankful for the generous grant from the Houston Endowment and look forward to building a long-lasting partnership with both Texas Woman's University and the University of Houston-Downtown to provide educational support for these aspiring educators. Every effort we make towards Growing Our Own will reinforce our commitment to offering a high-quality education with endless opportunities for our students."

These partnerships will provide continued cost-savings to aspiring teachers and Tomball ISD. Internal staff applications to participate in the program are currently being accepted and will be reviewed and finalized by the end of the month.

“Teachers are the most significant factor in a student’s educational experience and academic outcomes,” said Carlos Villagrana, program officer for education. “The Grow Your Own program has a proven track record of developing and supporting aspiring teachers, and we are confident this partnership will lead to strong classroom leaders for our region’s students.”

Current staff selected to be a part of the Grow Your Own program will begin classes in the Fall.

If you are interested in becoming a paraprofessional in Tomball ISD, apply today by visiting the Human Talent webpage at https://www.tomballisd.net/about-tisd/departments/human-talent.

ABOUT HOUSTON ENDOWMENT
Houston Endowment is a private foundation established in 1937 by Jesse H. Jones and his wife, Mary Gibbs Jones, to improve the quality of life for everyone in Greater Houston. Today, it has more than $2 billion in assets and invests about $100 million a year in three priorities: strengthen public education, increase civic engagement, and enhance the region’s arts and parks. Working with fellow Houstonians, Houston Endowment pursues bold goals, builds partnerships, and invests in innovative solutions rooted in equity and evidence to create a vibrant region where all have the opportunity to thrive.