TEMPLE, Texas (KXXV) — As Texas school districts faced teacher shortages and hiring challenges, the Temple Independent School District sought to nurture its educators.

This led to the creation of the Temple Teacher Certification Academy (CATT Program), which was launched just before the 2023-2024 school year. Eligible teachers are those already employed by the district and have at least 60 college credit hours.

Applicants can be approved for the program after working for Temple ISD for at least one year, undergoing a college credit review, and discussing their goals with TISD Human Resources staff.

Executives encourage staff members to participate because they believe investing in current employees cultivates a sense of community and commitment among its staff.

Temple ISD then works with those teachers to complete their degrees through online courses in partnership with the American College of Education (ACE). Participants are paid an alternate rate that allows the district to help pay for degree completion.

In the first year of the program, six teachers were hired.

Two of these teachers, who were part of the CATT Program, were recognized as their campus’s Rookie Teacher of the Year, a proud moment for the entire district.

With the success of the program, the district now has 14 participating teachers.

“The CATT program has benefited both the district and individual employees over the past two years,” said Dr. Donna Ward, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources for Temple ISD.

With the CATT Program in place, Temple ISD has begun each of the past two school years fully staffed in teaching positions, a testament to the program’s success in addressing teacher shortages.