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December 9, 2025 — Across Texas, school districts are facing a growing demand for certified teachers at a time when fewer individuals are entering the teaching profession. Enrollment in educator preparation programs has steadily declined over the past decade, and many districts report difficulty filling vacancies in high-need areas such as math, science, bilingual education, and special education. This nationwide shortage underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions that both attract new candidates and support existing staff in advancing their careers. Grow Your Own programs have emerged as one of the most effective strategies to address this challenge by building long-term, sustainable pipelines of qualified educators.
Midland ISD is proud to announce two generous grants provided by the Scharbauer Foundation to the University of Texas Permian Basin and Texas Tech University. MISD will benefit from these grants, which are dedicated to strengthening teacher and principal development and expanding the district’s Grow Your Own initiatives. This support marks a significant investment in building a strong, sustainable, and high-quality educator workforce which aligns to Midland ISD Board Goal D which states that all students will be taught each day by a high-quality teacher.
The grants will directly support pathways that help current employees pursue certification pathways in education. These initiatives are designed to cultivate homegrown talent by providing aspiring educators with financial assistance, mentoring, academic support, and clinical training opportunities within the district. By investing in individuals who already call our community home, the district is nurturing a pipeline of future teachers deeply rooted in local values and long-term commitment.
One grant will expand the district’s current work through the Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program in partnership with the University of Texas Permian Basin. This program provides a federally recognized apprenticeship pathway for aspiring educators, allowing participants to earn wages while completing coursework, receiving on-the-job training, and working alongside master teachers. Apprentices gain extensive classroom experience, benefit from structured mentorship, and progress toward full teacher certification with reduced financial barriers. This partnership ensures that candidates receive a high-quality, practice-based preparation model that accelerates readiness and strengthens the teacher pipeline. Midland ISD launched their Registered Apprenticeship Program in the fall of 2023 and has started to see the first candidates reach their completion points.
“These grants allow us to expand opportunities for those who have a passion for serving our students,” said Jessie Garcia, Chief of Human Capital. “Our Grow Your Own programs not only help address long-term teacher shortages, but they also strengthen the quality of our educator workforce. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the belief it shows in our district’s mission.”
The grants will support:
- Scholarships and tuition assistance for future educators
- Certification pathways for current staff seeking to become teachers
- Mentorship and coaching programs that guide candidates through preparation
- Internship and practicum opportunities within district classrooms
- Professional development focused on instructional excellence
- Principal residency opportunities through Texas Tech University
“Supporting Midland ISD’s Grow Your Own and leadership development initiatives is an investment in the long-term strength of our community,” said Mary Ann Beninati, CEO & President of Scharbauer Foundation. “When we equip talented individuals with the tools to become exceptional educators and leaders, we strengthen every classroom, every campus, and ultimately, the future of our region. We are proud to stand alongside Midland ISD, UT Permian Basin, and Texas Tech University in this transformative work.”
In addition to supporting teacher development, the contribution from the Scharbauer Foundation also enhances the district’s Principal Fellowship Program, delivered in partnership with Texas Tech University. This innovative program prepares aspiring school leaders through a full-year residency that blends graduate-level coursework with hands-on leadership experience in our schools. Participants receive coaching from experienced principals while applying research-based leadership practices in real time. The grants will ensure the district continues developing strong, skilled instructional leaders who are ready to step into principal roles and elevate campus performance. The Principal Fellowship partnership began in the summer of 2023 and has seen five Fellows complete the program with four currently employed as administrators in Midland ISD. Currently, there are two Fellows in this program who are expected to complete their degree and certification by August of 2026.
Midland ISD strategically planned for Grow Your Own initiatives through the redesign of their Strategic Plan which has been in place since August of 2023. The Grow and Develop Pillar of the strategic plan focuses on the recruitment, development, and retention of top talent. In February 2023, after the arrival of Dr. Howard in January of 2023, the district created its Talent Development Department to oversee talent pipelines and professional learning for the district.
“These funds will have a lasting impact on the quality of education in Midland ISD,” said Dr. Stephanie Howard, Superintendent of Midland ISD. “A strong workforce begins with intentional investment, and growing your own is one of the most effective ways to prepare talented educators who want to stay and serve in our schools.”
Midland ISD extends its deepest appreciation to the Scharbauer Foundation and its partners, the University of Texas Permian Basin and Texas Tech University, for this transformative commitment. This investment ensures that today’s aspiring educators will become tomorrow’s highly skilled, well-prepared teachers and leaders who strengthen student learning and elevate the district for years to come.
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