TechTeach Distance: One Year Fast-Track Program

Through TechTeach, you’ll experience and contribute to an entire school year including setting up procedures, launching the school year, using formative assessment to help students learn more, managing the testing season, and finishing strong at the end of the year. Coursework is online with the exception of one face-to-face class taught by your local Site Coordinator. Most of your assignments are completed in the classroom. All candidates use an iPad to capture, share and reflect on their instructional skills because our focus is on learning to teach – not listening to others talk about teaching. In the DFW area, TechTeach is partnered with four school districts (Dallas ISD, Grand Prairie ISD and Fort Worth ISD) and two community college districts (Dallas County and Tarrant County).

TechTeach’s aim is to prepare new teachers from the community and in the community specifically for the community, ensuring that all graduates are well-matched with the student population. Currently, TechTeach prepares new teachers for Elementary certification in the highest-need areas (Bilingual, ESL and Special Ed concentrations) and Middle School teaching (Math 4-8 in Fort Worth ISD).

TechTeach teacher candidates follow the school district calendar and work with three experienced, intentionally selected mentor teachers for the entire year while being supported by a Texas Tech University Site Coordinator. The local Site Coordinator coaches, supports, and evaluates you in the local schools. The Site Coordinator also works closely with each school district securing employment for all graduates within the district where the graduates worked. At the beginning of the program, teacher candidates sign a two-year Statement of Intent whereby upon graduation they will work for the school district where they completed their training.

TechTeach faculty and support networks will engage you in activities that are aimed at developing professionalism and superior instructional competency. Reformed coursework will focus on helping you learn and apply the skills necessary for fostering student achievement. Clinical experiences, including extended placements throughout the program and a full year of student teaching, will focus on supporting you in your growth and transition into your career. Using video-capture technology, you will receive unprecedented feedback about your instructional competency; and through the use of a co-teaching model, gain experience that will find you, upon graduation, with the qualifications and skills equal or above that of a 2nd-year teacher. Combined, the elements of this reform will ensure that you are among the most effective new teachers in the State of Texas.