Round Rock Edition | June 2025

Education

BY BROOKE SJOBERG

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Round Rock ISD eyes expansion to teacher resident program

Round Rock ISD administrators are exploring ways to expand a the RROCK Residency program, which provides paid experience to college students during their last year of undergraduate study. In April, RRISD Chief of Human Resources Eddie Curran said the district has not yet landed on a number, but is working to expand the program to greater numbers and potentially more campuses. What you need to know The residency program con- cluded its first year with the end of the 2024-25 school year in May. The program paired seven residents from Texas State University and Concordia University with master

teachers at C.D. Fulkes Middle School, where they received hands-on classroom teaching experience. Curran said the district has already signed contracts with six of the seven to teach in the district in the 2025-26 school year, with the seventh unable to commit due to moving out of state. About the program RRISD launched the residency program in June 2024, creating an opportunity for college students to gain in-classroom experience similar to a student teaching role. Teacher residents are paid a full- time salary and provided benefits, unlike student teachers.

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Did you know? The teacher residency program is just one of several ways RRISD is working to address the ongoing shortage of teachers and retain staff, Curran said. The district also offers:

RRock Teach Provides a pathway for employees with a bachelor’s degree but no teaching certificate to receive alternative certification.

RRock International RRISD staffs teachers in bilingual and special education positions through J-1 visas in its international visiting educator program.

Challenger School offers uniquely fun and academic programs for preschool to eighth-grade students. Our students learn to think for themselves and to value independence. Unmatched Academic Results Come tour a campus and see for yourself!

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

RRISD seeks grant for firearm locks

Avery Ranch (PS–G8) (512) 341-8000 15101 Avery Ranch Boulevard, Austin Round Rock (PS–G1) (512) 255-8844 1521 Joyce Lane, Round Rock Spicewood Springs (PS–K) (512) 258-1299 13015 Pond Springs Road, Austin

The Round Rock ISD Police Department is seeking a grant from the Capital Area Council of Governments to fund the purchase of locks for firearms as part of a safety initiative. What you need to know RRISD Police Chief Ryan Urrutia said his department was seeking state funding to provide cable

locks to community members. Urrutia said if the grant is awarded, the department would aim to purchase between 12,000- 15,000 firearm locks, cable locks and trigger locks to provide to district families. The district will most likely hear an answer about the grant by the start of the 2025- 26 school year.

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