TEACH program structure

The TEACH program, which spans approximately 15 months, is organized into six phases and consists of more than 300 hours of specialized training and professional development.

Phases One and Two: Content & Professional Development Training

The first two phases provide training that introduces program participants to theory of human development, special populations, models of teaching, lesson planning, classroom management, the development of reading and study skills, motivation of student learning, assessment of student learning, and information on state policies and laws related to public education.

During these two phases, members of the cohort will engage in on-going discussion and reflection to foster interactive group members who can help provide support to one another throughout the internship year.

Phase I training consists of one class which meets on the Brenham campus one evening per week. In February, all participants (with the exception of science content areas) will attend 2 Saturday workshops for additional instructional strategies and training.

Phase II is an online course. Participants must attend a mandatory orientation prior to beginning phase II. Participants will be testing at a Blinn College Learning Center facility (available on all four campuses) during this phase.

Participants must score 75 or greater on both phases one and two of training in order to be eligible for an internship.

Participants MUST pass the content TExES exam prior to accepting an internship (or meet NCLB guidelines for "highly qualified" at the secondary level). The Pedagogy and Professional Development TExES exam must be taken during phase II or during the internship year.

Phase Three: Pre-Assignment Training

Participants MUST attend mandatory pre-assignment training sessions (2 days in July, one day in August) in classroom management and taking charge of the classroom prior to beginning their internship.

Phase Four: Internship

The fourth phase is the internship year that consists of a year-long, paid internship in a teaching position within an accredited school. Participants must make application with and be hired by a school district within a reasonable commuting distance from Blinn College. The TEACH director must approve school district placement in advance.

During the internship year, a partnership is formed between the TEACH program and the school district. Each participant will be provided support by a mentoring team to facilitate his/her professional development through the internship year.

The TEACH director will appoint a supervisor who observes and provides constructive feedback to each intern on a regular basis. A mentor teacher is appointed by the school district to work with each intern. The mentor provides feedback on a daily basis. The principal also plays an active role by conducting teacher performance evaluations.

Program participants will be required to engage in online discussion related to special topics in education for a minimum of two hours per week during the internship year.

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Phase Five: Post-Assignment Training

Participants who have been approved for internship MUST attend a mandatory post-assignment training session for additional classroom management strategies, etc.

Phase Six: Wrap Up Session

The final phase requires interns to attend a mandatory two-day follow up session to reflect on their classroom experiences, evaluate the program and professional development training, complete necessary forms for certificates, and provide closure.

TEACH program requirements

• Successful completion of content area training (grade of 75 or greater)
• Successful completion of TExES exam in content area
• Successful completion of approximately 100 hours of online training in professional development (grade of 75 or greater)
• Successful completion of year-long internship
• Successful completion of the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities TExES exam
• Attendance at ALL mandatory training sessions