Grow Your Own Teacher

Application Eligibility

• Incoming college freshmen (Graduating seniors can apply during their senior year) or current college students
• HPS or HPS Partner schools’ alumni attending a 4-year college or university in the State of Texas.

Program Eligibility

Minimal Eligibility Requirements for Students Currently Enrolled in HPS or HPS partner schools.

• Being a HPS or HPS partner schools’ high school graduate.
• Open to high school seniors and college students. (Seniors' program start date can not be earlier than August 1st after high school graduation.)
• A cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher throughout enrollment.
• Applicants must be accepted to or currently enrolled in a higher education institution that leads to a bachelor's degree, where participants can work in person for a minimum of 8 hours per week at an HPS campus.
• Applicants must be eligible under federal and state law to work in the United States.
• Applicants must be enrolled in a 4-year college or university with min 9 credit hours per term

Compensation Structure

Hourly Rate:

• All GYOT residents will be compensated at a rate of $20/hour for part-time (Min 8 up to 19 hours per week) employment at an HPS campus during the academic year.

Program Structure & Requirements

Active Participation Requirements:

• Maintain enrollment in a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester
• Remain in good academic standing (GPA ≥ 2.5)
• Must submit semester college transcript to district GYOT manager
• Attend required HPS GYOT trainings and professional development sessions during the weekdays or saturday
• Work a minimum of 8 hours per week with an HPS campus (excluding the student teaching semester) 
• The participant must earn a bachelor's degree within no more than six consecutive years.
• Complete your student teaching at one of HPS campuses if approved by the university education department.

Post-Graduation Commitment:

• Teach full-time at an HPS campus for two academic years after graduation ("Service Period").

Application Process

Required Documents:

• HPS high school transcript (High school seniors only)
• College transcript (official or unofficial) (College students only)
• Two references
• 500-word personal statement on interest in the teaching profession

Submission Deadline:

• Application season starts on August 1st and continues throughout the year.
• Applications will still be accepted until all budgeted positions are filled based on a first-come come first served.
   

Selection Process:

All properly completed and timely received applications will be reviewed by the district GYOT admission committee. Applicants will be selected on the basis of program qualifications, merit, and program openings. Qualified applicants will be invited to the GYOT interview organized by the district committee.

Selected applicants must comply with the GYOT Program Governance Rules for Participation, as described below.

GYOT Program Governance Rules for Participation
Program Participants are expected to:

• Participate in GYOT Program activities, including HPS teacher in-service programs during the regular school year and summer school sessions.
• Receive continuous positive recommendations from HPS teachers and administrators.
• Meet and continue to meet all requirements for employment with HPS, including but not limited to criminal background checks and positive employment references.
• Accept part-time employment with HPS (minimum 8 hours per week) in a position designated by HPS while attending higher education classes.
• Gain admission and continue enrollment in a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester in an undergraduate program leading to a standard or alternative Texas teaching certificate in an accredited college or university in the State of Texas.
• Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in all undergraduate courses.
• Teach full-time for HPS for two academic years upon college graduation (“the Service Period”). Completion of the Service Period is considered the Program End Date.