The merits of Midland Independent School District's (MISD) innovative teacher pipeline program are not lost on 2024 Coleman High School graduate Natalie Bracamontes.
According to a district news release, Bracamontes is among 33 registered apprentices gaining classroom experience as she pursues a career as an elementary teacher while attending the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB). She is a registered apprentice at MISD and a full-time reach associate at South Elementary.
As a reach associate, Bracamontes supports teachers by assisting in the classroom, leading small groups, and teaching lessons. This role provides her with valuable firsthand experience. In high school, she participated in dual credit Education and Training courses through MISD's Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, which paved the way for her to understand classroom instruction and lesson planning.
"Being in the classroom and working with students every day is an incredible learning experience," said Bracamontes. "I love seeing how students view the world and how they learn. This program is helping me build my skills and confidence as a future teacher." The district hopes the program will establish a robust pipeline of highly qualified educators who will eventually work as teachers within the district.