In an effort to combat the ongoing teacher shortage and provide more affordable pathways into the profession, a growing number of Houston-area school districts are turning to paid teacher apprenticeship programs.
Launched in April 2020, ABC13’s Who’s Hiring job fair was created to connect job seekers with in-demand career opportunities during a time of record-high unemployment. This month, the spotlight is on education—and specifically, on a new approach to building the teaching workforce.
According to Dean’s for Impact, a nonprofit focused on teacher preparation, nearly one-third of newly hired teachers in Houston-area districts lack certification. The organization sees apprenticeship programs as a powerful solution.
“It may start off with observing that master teacher or providing support to individual students but as the teacher apprentices gain more confidence and more skills they’re able to take on more of the work,” said Valerie Sakimura, Executive Director of Dean’s for Impact.
Currently, only about 20 districts in Texas offer teacher apprenticeships, with nearly half of those located in the Houston area. One standout example is Deer Park ISD, which partners with local colleges to pay college students up to $20 per hour as they train in classrooms alongside experienced educators.
The goal? Not just to fill vacancies, but to cultivate a pipeline of passionate, well-prepared teachers who will stay in the district long-term.
To help scale these efforts, a workforce fund has been awarded to the Houston region to offset apprenticeship costs. Sakimura emphasized that many people want to become teachers—they just need access to affordable, practical training programs.
“Sometimes we hear that there aren’t enough people interested in becoming teachers and what we found is that actually isn’t the case. It’s just that all of the people who are interested in becoming teachers may not know that there’s an affordable and accessible pathway,” she said.
The Empowering Careers: Community, Education, & Social Service Hiring Event, hosted by Workforce Solutions and Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones, was held on April 17, 2025, at the Burnett Bayland Community Center. The event brought together top employers in education and social services, offering attendees a chance to explore meaningful careers in school support roles, nonprofit work, case management, and more.
For those unable to attend, Workforce Solutions offers free services year-round through its website at WorkInTexas.com and its local offices. With events like these, the organization continues to empower individuals to connect with Houston’s dynamic job market and take the next steps in their careers.
