This fall, Texas Lutheran University is expanding its impact on local education as 66 student teachers bring fresh energy and hands-on support to classrooms across Seguin Independent School District (ISD). With ten of these students now fully engaged as clinical teachers, TLU’s partnership with Seguin ISD is bridging the gap in teacher shortages while providing invaluable experience for the next generation of educators. Collectively, TLU student teachers will contribute more than 800 hours to Seguin schools this semester, guided by seasoned mentors who help shape their journey into the teaching profession. More TLU students will be joining the district come spring.
“I am extremely proud of our Fall 2024 clinical teachers for their dedication to continually grow and become exceptional educators,” says Dr. Donna Kubena, Director of Field Experience and Student Teachers and Director of the Alternative Certification Program. “What truly warms my heart is their willingness to seek to understand the students they are blessed to work with and to adjust what they are doing to meet all the students' needs. I've seen true dedication to the profession and to their future.”
Seguin isn’t the only district in the area welcoming TLU student teachers this fall. The university also partners with New Braunfels, Comal, Blanco, Marion, Gonzales, Navarro, and many more.
While gaining experience in K-12 classrooms, TLU students are also working diligently to complete the TExES (Texas Examinations of Educator Standards) certification exams associated with their degree plans, so that once they graduate, they will be eligible to accept positions as certified teachers.
“None of this would be possible without the partnership we have with Seguin ISD to support the field experience opportunities for all our education students throughout the year, as well agreeing to host so many of our clinical teachers by partnering them with exceptional mentor teachers,” says Kubena. “On behalf of the Education Department at TLU, I'd like to thank Seguin ISD and all of the other surrounding districts willing to partner with the TLU Educator Preparation Programs, not only as hosts for our students as they work toward completing their program requirements, but also for often extending job opportunities for our students after they graduate from TLU.”
Photo caption: Seguin ISD welcomed a new cohort of aspiring educators to the district this fall.