Education
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
RRISD expands teacher resident programs Round Rock ISD administrators are exploring ways to expand a program that provides paid expe- rience to students during their last year of study in an undergraduate program. In April, Chief of Human Resources Eddie Curran said the district has not yet landed on a number, but is working to expand the program. What you need to know The RRock residency program will conclude 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 to receive hands-on classroom teaching experience. "I believe strongly that what this has done is that it brings those residents into our culture a lot earlier than they would typically as a brand new teacher," Curran said. "They're actually learning the systems
RRISD seeks funding for firearm locks The Round Rock ISD Police Department is seeking a grant from the Capital Area Council of Governments to purchase firearm locks as part of a community firearm safety initiative. What you need to know RRISDPD Chief Ryan Urrutia told admin- istrators in an April 17 board meeting that his department was seeking to provide cable locks to community members. Urrutia said the grant is competitive, and if awarded, the department would aim to purchase up to 15,000 firearm locks, cable locks and trigger locks. What’s next? Urrutia said the district would most likely hear from CAPCOG by the start of the 2025- 26 school year.
The teacher residency program is just one of several ways to address the ongoing shortage of teachers and retain staff. The district also offers:
RRock International: RRISD staffs bilingual and special education positions through J-1 visas to meet different staffing needs in the district. RRock Teach: Provides a pathway for employees who have a bachelor’s degree but are not certified to teach to receive alternative certification.
SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD
in Round Rock ISD." Curran said the district has already signed contracts with six of the seven residents to teach for the 2025-26 school year, with the seventh unable to sign on due to moving out of state. About the program RRISD launched its teacher residency program in June 2024. However, teacher residents are paid a full-time salary and provided benefits, unlike student teachers.
SCHEDULE TODAY 512-866-3800
From Preventive Dental Care to Smile Makeovers We Put You First
Unmatched Academic Results Come tour a campus and see for yourself!
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.
FREE Whitening for Life Become a new patient and get
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
Some limitations and exclusions apply. Contact our oce for details. Limited time oer.
$1500 OFF INVISALIGN
Complimentary Cosmetic and Invisalign Consultations
Dr. Elizabeth Lowery DDS AACD Accredited
Dr. Kasey Lowrance Completed AEGD Residency
Scan to schedule a tour
15004 Avery Ranch Blvd, | Building B, Suite 100 Austin TX 78717 AustinEliteSmiles.com | Privately Owned
An independent private school offering preschool through eighth grade
© 2025, Challenger Schools · Challenger School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.
15
CEDAR PARK - FAR NORTHWEST AUSTIN EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook