Episode 376

full
Published on:

6th Mar 2025

Solving Teacher Shortages with Apprenticeships, and Finding the Funds To Do So

Summary: Join C.T. and guest Dr. Cara Malone, Chief of Schools for Hutto Independent School District (ISD) in Texas, as they delve into tackling the teacher shortage with an innovative apprenticeship program. Explore strategies for cultivating future teachers from within the community, providing employment, support in higher education, and practical skills training. Discover how Hutto ISD's approach fosters a sustainable pipeline of qualified teachers and addresses the challenges of a fast-growing district. This insightful conversation offers practical guidance for leaders aiming to thrive amidst the challenges and opportunities in education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Proactive Problem Solving: Hutto ISD chose to "own the problem" of teacher shortages and develop its own solutions instead of relying on external entities.
  • Innovative Apprenticeship Program: The district created a teacher apprenticeship program to cultivate future teachers from within the community.
  • Targeting a Diverse Pool: The program targets individuals with varying levels of college experience, even those who hadn't previously considered teaching.
  • Comprehensive Support System: Hutto ISD provides apprentices with employment, support in enrolling in higher education, and monthly practical skills training.
  • Real-World Experience: Apprentices work in schools under the guidance of certified teachers, gaining valuable experience and developing their teaching skills.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction: The Engaging Leadership Show and Dr. Cara Malone.

0:50 About Hutto ISD: Rapid growth and opportunities/challenges.

1:37 Dr. Malone's Role: Chief of Schools, HR, leadership, operations.

3:00 Defining the Teacher Shortage Problem at Hutto ISD

5:40 The Genesis of the Teacher Apprenticeship Program

6:35 Program Launch and Initial Response

7:34 Program Structure and Support

9:45 Program Success and Impact

11:00 Addressing the Narrative Around Teaching

12:15 Program Scale and Future Growth

14:00 Funding and Budget Considerations

16:30 Apprentice Roles and Responsibilities

18:20 Attracting Talent to the Program



Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk

Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung

Connect with Dr. Cara Malone: linkedin.com/in/cara-malone

Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda



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About the Podcast

Engaging Leadership
Uncovering stories and strategies behind successful educational leadership
Each week we sit down with inspiring leaders who are transforming education and creating positive outcomes for students across the country.

In their own words, these leaders share their daily challenges, breakthrough moments, and the practical approaches they use to build and support student achievement.

Whether you're a principal, superintendent, or aspiring educational leader, you'll find actionable insights you can use right away.

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About your hosts

CheeTung Leong

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I'm committed to helping people live their best lives through work.

I'm one of the co-founders of EngageRocket, an HRTech SaaS startup and we are focused on helping organizations build empowered managers, engaged employees, and elite teams.

I'm a big nerd when it comes to economics and psychology and regularly use data and tech to help folks live their best lives.

I've been recognized by Prestige Magazine as one of the top 40 under 40 business leaders and have been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, Business Insider, and Tech in Asia.

Jim Kanichirayil

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Your friendly neighborhood talent strategy nerd is the producer and co-host for The HR Impact Show. He's spent his career in sales and has been typically in startup b2b HRTech and TA-Tech organizations.

He's built high-performance sales teams throughout his career and is passionate about all things employee life cycle and especially employee retention and turnover.