STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University faculty members Dr. Christy Reed and Dr. Elizabeth Garcia have received an $182,640 grant from the Houston Independent School District Grow Your Own Program.

The program creates pathways for aspiring educators to experience a high-quality year-long residency while working as HISD teacher assistants in their local community.

“This grant will allow the Tarleton State education program to work with a large urban school district to effectively train future teachers in a setting that will benefit both students and the district,” said Dr. Garcia, Assistant Head of the Curriculum and Instruction Department, part of Tarleton’s College of Education.

The grant program enables Education Preparation Providers (EPPs) like Tarleton to offer high-quality pathways for future educators at no cost to students. Additionally, it establishes a registered apprenticeship program for future teachers through the U.S. Department of Labor.

To qualify, EPPs must meet the Texas Education Agency’s strict standards as institutions that prepare future teachers to meet the needs of all Texas students. Of 27 EPP programs recognized in 2023 in the TEA’s Preparing Educators Texas Needs category, Tarleton State was one of only three to earn commendations in multiple categories. 

A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.