University, Regents Initiative Launch TexasTEACH Recruitment Effort Oct. 2

A partnership between Texas A&M International University, the Texas A&M University System's Regents' Initiative for Excellence in Education and local and area high schools dedicated to help recruit future teachers will be launched with a meeting at A&M International Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library's Great Room.

"TexasTEACH," as the program will be known, is part of an effort for the University to improve the effectiveness of its teacher recruiting, said Dr. Rosa Maria Vida, A&M International Dean of the College of Education.

"Working with the Regents Initiative, this is a partnership-based, technology-driven, formal agreement which will see us link with high schools to develop teams to help prospective students. On the University side of the equation, we'll mobilize a Rapid Response Team that will include a teacher recruitment coordinator, an admissions department liaison and a financial aide liaison. At the high school, a Campus Recruitment Team will be comprised of a superintendent or personnel officer, the principal, a counselor and a teacher recruitment liaison," Dr. Vida explained.

"The goal is that high schools, our community and the State of Texas will eventually benefit from having a larger teacher supply, early recruitment opportunities from upcoming College of Education graduates and dynamic professional development opportunities for counselors and teachers," she continued.

TexasTEACH partner schools in the initiative include J. W. Nixon High School, L. B. Johnson High School, Zapata High School, Martin High School, United South High School, Hebbronville High School, Cigarroa High School, United High School, Bruni High School, St. Augustine High School, Alexander High School, Cotulla High School, Roma High School, Carrizo Springs High School, Eagle Pass High School and Crystal City High School.

Vida said the partnership will offer formal support and technology assistance.

"For example, TexasTEACH will include a web site for high school and community college teacher candidates, as well as management and reporting software for University recruiters. It's a win-win situation which we strongly believe will enable us to address the State's critical teacher shortage," she said.

The Regents Initiative is a state-wide effort aimed at utilizing the collective resources of the A&M System, of which A&M International is a member, to address educational issues of common concern.

Through partnerships, the Initiative has assisted in the funding of a variety of programs state-wide that support teachers in education preparation and provide them with important professional development opportunities.

Goals for the Initiative include increasing the productivity of the A&M System's teacher preparation programs, providing professional development opportunities, helping students and teachers in high-need areas, and systematically recruiting additional teachers in critical shortage areas.

Funding for The Regents' Initiative is provided by The Meadows Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Sid W. Richardson Foundation, The Texas A&M University System, the Texas Education Agency and the U.S. Department of Education.

For additional information on the Regents Initiative and the TexasTEACH Partnership, please contact Teresa Hein, Regents Initiative Director, at 326.2694, email to thein@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Killam Library, room 322 D.

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu