‘Grow Your Own’: Coppell ISD Committed to Developing Educators

Ten Coppell Independent School District seniors in their final year of Coppell High School’s Education and Training Endorsement received special letters from Coppell ISD Human Resources on April 28, which guaranteed them interviews upon completion of a traditional or non-traditional education degree program. 

“If you decide that education is the place for you, we’re going to keep in touch during your years of college,” Executive Director of Human Resources Kelly Mires said during a visit to the class of future educators. “That way, we can see how you’re progressing, if you're ready to come back and interview, or if there’s anything we can help you with. If you have questions about student teaching or certification or if you’re interested in different subject areas, we can help you with all of that.” 

CISD Human resources Director Kelly Mires delivers news of guaranteed interviews to CHS Education and Training students.

In addition to the letters, the students received a folder with certificates of completion and resume and interview question examples. Mires and human resources specialists Michelle Minnick and Emily Cowart also gave a presentation which included the draws and benefits to working in Coppell ISD, interview and application tips, professionalism and digital footprint best practices, useful information on how to market oneself to employers, and traditional and non-traditional degree programs. 

Mires’ letter to the soon-to-be graduates is the result of a more intentional approach from the district to create teacher pipelines within its own schools through the “Grow Your Own” Teacher Pipeline initiative, a joint partnership between Region 10 Education Service Center and Texas A&M Commerce.  

CHS Education and Training students discuss their letters of assurance, which guarantee them interviews in CISD.CHS Education and Training students discuss their letters of assurance, which guarantee them interviews in CISD.

Following the 2023 class, all Education and Training Endorsement graduates will receive the same assurance from the district. 

Currently, Coppell ISD employs nearly 200 professionals who are CHS or New Tech High @ Coppell alumni. 

“That in and of itself says something about our district. People graduate from high school here, go away, get their degree, and want to come back to work where they grew up because it’s a great place to be,” Mires said. 

However, in a time where teacher shortages are a reality for many districts, the need to build strong, stable, and diverse educators is apparent. 

“It’s our goal to grow this program. We want great teachers, and we hope to reach even younger students with an interest in education, perhaps as early as middle school, as they begin to consider their courses for high school,” Mires said.

The class of 2023 Education and Training graduates are as follows:

  • Carson Butts
  • Myla Clements
  • Fiona Dabiri
  • Medleigh Dachak
  • Shelby Hart
  • Elsanna Jees
  • Jillian Levy
  • Lucy Marz
  • Rose Moxley
  • Ella Wilson