Dallas ISD AC program recognized by the state

Dallas ISD’s Alternative Certification Program was recently recognized by the State Board of Education for its success in preparing and supporting teachers who identify as African American. 

The Dallas ISD Alternative Certification Program (ACP) received a 2021-2022 Educator Preparation Program Commendation in Category 2, Preparing the Educators Texas Needs. This category identifies these programs for preparing and supporting teachers who identify as teachers of color or are employed in rural areas. 

In partnership with the Dallas ISD Teacher Residency Program, the ACP’s strategic recruitment efforts have increased the number of Black and Latino male educators in the district. Through this collaborative effort, African-American and Hispanic students have access to effective and diverse teachers who match their ethnic background, creating an education system that is equitable across our classrooms. 

The Dallas ISD ACP enhances the alternative teaching route by providing intentional content test preparation and a standards driven training program where future educators can engage with others, explore, and practice the newest and innovative approaches to teaching, and develop a deeper understanding of their impact on student achievement in Dallas ISD.

There are currently over 150 teacher interns for the 2022-2023 school year. This is in large part due to the program’s redesign, which includes free tuition for candidates seeking certification in critical shortage areas—such as  elementary bilingual, elementary ESL, secondary math, secondary science, secondary english language arts and reading, and all level special education. 

If you know of someone who is considering a career in teaching, application for the next cohort in the district’s recognized program is open through July 10. Applications are accepted via the Dallas ISD website at https://www.dallasisd.org/acp.