The grants will clear roadblocks for current employees who want to become certified teachers by providing financial help, mentoring, academic support and real classroom training. That means more Midland residents can earn credentials while staying connected to their community.
A key piece of the investment expands Midland’s Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program with the University of Texas Permian Basin. Here, aspiring teachers earn wages while taking coursework, training on the job, and working side-by-side with master teachers, speeding up classroom readiness and strengthening the teacher pipeline.
Midland launched the apprenticeship in fall 2023, and its first participants are nearing completion.
“These grants allow us to expand opportunities for those who have a passion for serving our students,” said Jessie Garcia, chief of Human Capital. The funding will also boost principal residencies through Texas Tech University and support scholarships, mentorships, internships and professional development.
Mary Ann Beninati, CEO and president of the Scharbauer Foundation, called the investment “an investment in the long-term strength of our community,” saying strong educators mean stronger classrooms and campuses.
Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Howard added that growing your own workforce is one of the most effective ways to prepare talented educators who want to stay and serve in Midland schools for years to come.
