Teach Forward Houston (TFH) is a ground breaking initiative between the College of Education (COE) and Houston Independent School District (HISD) which offers their graduating seniors in the district a prestigious fellowship which will allow students to earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Teaching and Learning with tuition support.  Students accepted into the program will benefit from the excellent faculty and specialized guidance offered by COE and return to the HISD classroom as highly effective teachers committed to improving the community through education. Patra Brannon, General Manager, Talent Acquisitions (HR) from HISD said, “HISD is excited about creating an innovative grow your own program in partnership with University of Houston College of Education.  Some of our district’s brightest high school students will have the opportunity to receive quality education in teacher preparation, and will be well prepared to serve high needs classrooms within the nation’s 7th largest urban school district.  This is a rare opportunity for our students and our district alike, and we look forward to four years from now when these students will graduate college to become teachers.”

Fellows entered the Teaching and Learning program this fall with a specialized degree plan allowing them to move through the program in a cohort style.  During the summer, before classes began, the college partnered with the Urban Experience Program (UEP) to create a summer of fun filled, informative events to prepare the students for the “college experience”.  Students met some of their faculty, learned about degree programs, and experienced life in the dorm.  Jacob Segovia, one of the TFH fellows who graduated from North Houston Early College High School, said, “Summer Bridge Program was great!  Not only did it acquaint me with UH, but it helped me build relations with my cohort.”

Cub Camp, an extended three-day program was held at the Trinity Pines Retreat Center in Trinity, Texas and allowed new students to come together as a class, have fun, and make friends.  This year, TFH fellows were allowed to attend Cub Camp at no charge to them.  They met other incoming freshmen from other colleges, learned success tips from upperclassmen, and really got into the Cougar Spirit!  Vanessa Trejo, a graduate from North Houston Early College High School, said “Cub Camp was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had! NOT only was I able to get to know part of the Teach Forward family on a new level but I was also able to meet other fellow Coogs. Now that classes have started I know I'll always have someone I can study with or even hang out with! I am glad I chose the University of Houston! #GoCoogs.”

COE is excited to welcome the TFH fellows to the college. Amber Thompson, Director of Teacher Education is especially interested in how the incoming students progress through the program.  Thompson said, “What makes TFH unique is that teacher candidates begin intensive training and coaching from day one. They will be supported through their college experience and into their first years of teaching all while making a difference in the communities from which they attended school.”  Anthony Infante, a TFH fellow and recent graduate of Reagan High School said, “Teach Forward Houston is an opportunity of a lifetime.  I feel as if it was destined for me to be a part of the program because I have always wanted to become a teacher.  This experience will allow me to create friendships that will last a lifetime.  I am truly thankful for Teach Forward Houston.” Teresa Edgar, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies in COE, said “Teach Forward Houston is an amazing opportunity for HISD graduates. The partnership has planned several student support initiatives to ensure the students successfully move into the classroom as effective teachers after the completion of their B.S. in Teaching and Learning.”

Once graduated, the fellows will return to HISD as teachers in the district, prepared, effective, and ready to change the world, one child at a time.  They are certain to make the university Cougar Proud!