Application Eligibility

To apply for the GYOT Program, candidates must meet the following baseline requirements:

• Educational Status: Open to incoming college freshmen (high school seniors may apply during their senior year) and current undergraduate students.

• Alumni Connection: Must be a graduate of Harmony Public Schools or an official HPS Partner school.

• Texas University: Enrolled in (or accepted to) a 4-year college or university.

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Program Eligibility

To qualify for the Grow Your Own Teacher (GYOT) Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Harmony Alumni Status: Be a graduate of Harmony Public Schools or an HPS partner school (or a graduating high school senior*).

• College Enrollment: Be accepted to or currently enrolled in a 4-year college or university program leading to a bachelor’s degree, carrying at least 12 credit hours per term.

• Academic Standing: Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.50 or higher.

• In-Person Availability: Be able to work on-site at an HPS campus for a minimum of 8 hours per week.

• Work Authorization: Be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal and state laws.

*Note for High School Seniors: Graduating seniors are eligible to apply; however, employment start dates begin on or after August 1st following high school graduation.

Compensation Structure

• Hourly Rate: $20.00 per hour

• Weekly Schedule: 8 to 19 hours per week (part-time) during the academic year

• Location: On-site at a Harmony Public Schools campus

Program Structure & Requirements

Active Participation Requirements: To remain in good standing throughout the GYOT Program, participants must fulfill the following ongoing requirements:

• Academic Standing: Maintain a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA and remain enrolled in at least 9 credit hours per semester.

• Degree Completion: Graduate with a bachelor's degree within a maximum of six consecutive years.

• Transcript Reporting: Submit college transcripts to the District GYOT Manager at the end of each semester.

• Campus Hours: Work a minimum of 8 hours per week at an HPS campus (exempt during your student teaching semester).

• Student Teaching: Complete required student teaching at an HPS campus, subject to approval by your university's education department.

• Professional Development: Attend all required HPS GYOT training sessions and professional development workshops scheduled on weekdays or Saturdays.

Post-Graduation Commitment

• Service Period: Complete two academic years of full-time teaching service at an HPS campus following college graduation.

Application Process

Required Documents

• Transcripts:

  • High School Seniors: HPS high school transcript

  • College Students: College transcript (official or unofficial)

• References: Two academic or professional references

• Personal Statement: A 500-word essay detailing your passion for education and interest in the teaching profession

Submission Timeline

• Application Timeline: Applications are open year-round.

• Deadline: Rolling admissions — positions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis until all budgeted spots are filled. Early application is strongly encouraged.

Selection Process

1. Application Review: The district GYOT Admissions Committee reviews completed applications based on qualifications, merit, and program availability.

2. Interview: Qualified candidates are invited to an interview with the district committee.

3. Selection & Onboarding: Selected applicants receive a program offer and agree to comply with the GYOT Program Governance Rules.

GYOT Program Governance Rules for Participation

Program participants are required to maintain the following academic, employment, and professional standards throughout their time in the program:

• Academic Standing: Maintain continuous enrollment in at least 9 credit hours per semester at an accredited Texas college or university, pursue Texas teacher certification, and hold a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA.

• Campus Employment: Accept and maintain a designated part-time position at an HPS campus for a minimum of 8 hours per week while taking college courses.

• Professional Development: Attend required GYOT program activities, including teacher in-service training sessions during the regular school year and summer school programs.

• Performance & Standards: Earn ongoing positive recommendations from HPS teachers and administrators, and satisfy all standard employment requirements (including criminal background checks and positive references).

• Two-Year Service Commitment: Teach full-time at Harmony Public Schools for two complete academic years following college graduation to complete the program.