Welcome to the 27th episode of The Path Forward! Today Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by Dr. Bryan Hallmark, Hannah Gibson, Matthew Flippen. Today’s discussion covers how Hartwell University is pairing with Sealy ISD’s to remove the barriers for potential teachers to earn a degree in education. Listen in to hear from each party from the partnership including the experience of a passionate paraprofessional from Sealy ISD who is enrolled in Hartwell’s Program. The panel also discusses ways to retain teaching staff, district innovation, how the program is benefiting the community, and many other topics. For more information about Hartwell University, please visit https://hartwell-education.org/!

Time Stamps & Show Notes:

(00:00 - 00:42) Intro

(00:42 - 02:21) Excitement From Sealy ISD

(02:21- 04:00) Challenge of Teacher Shortage

(04:00 - 05:54) Vision and Mission of Hartwell University

(05:54 - 07:58) How the Residency Program Works

(07:58 - 10:21) Why Hannah Chose Hartwell

(10:21 - 11:36) How The Program has Changed Hannah’s Perspective

(11:36 - 15:48) Ways to Retain and Attract Teachers

(15:48 - 17:52) How to Encourage Students to Work For Their Districts

(17:52 - 18:51) Why Sealy ISD

(18:51 - 24:54) Incentives for Staff Retention

(24:54 - 26:39) Benefits to the Community

(26:39 - 28:00) Camaraderie of Hartwell University

(28:00 - 30:13) How Hartwell is Encouraging is Supporting Their Students

(30:13 - 31:35) Why Sealy ISD is So Special

(31:35 - 31:58) Closing