TechTeach Across Texas (TTAT)— is an accelerated, fast-track educator preparation program designed to empower aspiring teachers offered at YES Prep. Each cohort begins in July to the culmination the following July. The program equips teacher candidates with the skills, knowledge and certification necessary to thrive in the classroom.
TTAT offers a blend of online coursework and face-to-face instruction, providing a comprehensive learning experience. Through hands-on clinical experiences at YES Prep campuses, teacher candidates gain invaluable insights and practical skills essential for effective teaching. Teacher candidates graduate with a Bachelor of Science from Texas Tech University and full teacher certification upon completion of the program requirements.
Embarking on the journey towards becoming a YES Prep teacher is both rewarding and accessible. With clear application processes and generous residency benefits, including a competitive salary, housing stipend and tuition support, YES Prep invests in the success and well-being of its educators.
Meet some of our TTAT graduates and learn more about their experience by reading below:
Candy Flores, YES Prep East End Elementary
How did you hear about YES Prep and the TechTeach Across Texas (TTAT) program?
While taking a teaching class at Houston Community College (HCC), we had the TTAT advisor and site coordinator come speak to our class and give us information about the program.
Why did you apply?
I applied for several reasons, one being that I would finish the program and graduate in a year. I was already 33 years old and married with a baby. I needed to finish as fast as I could so I could help support my family. We were also told that we would have support from our advisor and our site coordinator throughout the whole process. To me that support was essential and something I was not getting at HCC.
What were you hoping for when you first applied?
I was hoping to get accepted into the program to be able to graduate and make my family proud. I initially applied to get into the Houston ISD cohort because of proximity
Tell us more about your experience with TTAT.
There are several things that I like about the program, but my favorite would have to be how close you get to your peers and how much that helps get you through everything you will endeavor throughout the one year you are together. Your peers are the only ones going through the program with you so anytime you want to give up or are tired they help you push through.
What is it like in the classroom? How is the learning environment?
I was placed at East End Elementary for my fall and spring semester, and then at North Central Elementary in the summer. I had four amazing mentors. All four of them, no matter how little or how long I was with them taught me so much. I became the teacher just as much as they were. I learned in that moment what to do or what not to do. In different situations I was asked to join in so I could learn from the experience.
Describe the helpful and supportive culture at YES Prep.
At YES Prep, I found people that have been supportive from the very beginning. From my mentors and admin in my placement, all the way up to Chief Munoz and both Dr. Honore and Dr. Nash. As a student teacher there were assignments where I needed students from all grade levels, or an empty room to record a lesson for an assignment.
Admin and my mentors made sure that I had full access to students and to anything else I might need. There were times when I was having a hard time with an assignment and my assistant principal, Ms. Gutierrez, made sure she made herself available to coach me on what I was having a hard time with. From my mentors Ms. Bermudez, Ms. Lerma, and Ms. Colvin I learned so much.
All three of them were so open to teaching me, coaching me and giving me the experience with their students I needed, to be able to grow in my craft. They always asked me what I needed from them and never made me feel like I was bothering them when I asked questions, because I sure had many questions. Mr. Munoz, Dr. Honore and Dr. Nash made sure we were getting paid and reimbursed since we could not have a job while in the program.
To many of my peers, myself included, being able to have an income while in the program was essential, and YES Prep made sure we had that and more. No other district will do that for you.
How has YES Prep supported you?
YES Prep has supported me in giving me the tools and experience that I needed to become the best teacher I could be. Even as a student’s teacher there were many people that coached me or mentored me at YES Prep.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at YES Prep?
I enjoy being a part of a close-knit community. Everyone I work with is always ready to help.
What has been your favorite memory so far?
Honestly all the memories I have with my students are amazing, but one that I can remember and that I really enjoyed is when I was doing a science lesson with just a couple of students. We were melting crayons with a blow dryer. Seeing their face light up as they were learning but having fun at the same time reminded me of my “why”. I remembered why I came into teaching. Every student, no matter their age, should have the best learning experience there is.
What surprised you the most about teaching at YES Prep?
How much I enjoy coming to work every single day! Also, how much support I get from all my peers and colleagues.
What encouragement would you give someone who is considering applying to YES Prep, specifically the TTAT program?
I would tell them to go for it. It may seem rigorous or impossible but trust me with YES Prep’s support all the way, anyone can get through it. You can choose to do the program with another school district but YES Prep by far will be the most supportive, in every shape or form.
Jessica Garcia, YES Prep TechTeach Across Texas Resident
How did you hear about YES Prep and the TechTeach Across Texas (TTAT) program? Why did you apply?
I was searching for a way to get my education degree quickly. My google search brought me to the Tech Teach Across Texas page. YES Prep provided the best package and genuinely seemed like they were prepared for students like me.
I applied because I wanted to have more control over the timeframe and the program provided an attainable goal for myself. Honestly, after talking to the adviser, I was sold. The support from the very beginning solidified my decision to apply.
What were you hoping for when you first applied?
I was hoping for someone to believe in my dream, show me the path, and provide the smallest of pushes.
Tell us more about your experience with TTAT.
The experiences that I have gained thanks to every life that I touch. From my cohort members, professors, mentors and even my students. If I ever have a rough day, I am constantly reminded that where I am in my life is exactly the place I need to be.
What is it like in the classroom? How is the learning environment?
Being in the classroom with the students is the icing on top of the learning experience. It makes every assignment worth it. Having hands-on experience and being received as a learner is an important part of this whole experience. The learning environment is very much student driven. Being in a classroom where students are encouraged to try, and mistakes are used as learning experiences is truly inspiring.
Describe the helpful and supportive culture at YES Prep.
YES Prep has proven to be more than just another school. I have gotten support from my mentor teachers, APs and many others who just wanted to hand out knowledge from their years of experience. I have been welcomed into classrooms to just be a sponge and I felt like my learning was just as important as the youngest students.
How would you describe the training and support you received?
I have gotten quick feedback and I turned right around and immediately used that feedback to become better. I have been in rooms with admin and my voice was heard. I came to them with questions and they gladly assisted or pointed me in the right direction to get the help I needed. The support has been of incredibly quality, and I always leave feeling like I can do it because someone is behind me willing to support.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at YES Prep?
I enjoy the fresh look and attitude they bring to education. A holistic approach to learning is important to the teacher I want to be.
What has been your favorite memory so far?
My favorite memory was every ounce of love I received while I taught. It has been my dream to teach. To receive this kind of love and support while I pursue my dream fades some of my fears about this next step in my life. Doubts have faded because of my days at YES.
What surprised you the most about teaching at YES Prep?
How welcoming each school has been to a teaching resident. I have been able to freely make mistakes, accept feedback and grow. I have only grown since I first stepped into a YES Prep school.
What encouragement would you give someone who is considering applying to YES Prep, specifically the TTAT program?
I would say to be open to the experience that YES Prep offers and be a sponge the moment you start. I would encourage them to communicate and cast fears aside because this is the only time where they can truly just learn. A foundation will be laid and that if YES is part of it, support is on your side.
Dulce Diaz, YES Prep Tech Teacher Candidate
How did you hear about YES Prep and the Tech Teach Across Texas (TTAT) program? Why did you apply?
I applied to this fast-tracked program because of the pace we work at. It is the appropriate length of time that I gave myself to get my bachelor’s. Throughout life, I had a couple of setbacks such as losing my siblings that interfered with my education. I was beyond happy to hear that a fast-tracked program like this existed to catch up with my goals.
What were you hoping for when you first applied?
When I first applied, I was hoping for a program that taught me strategies, methods and assessment learning towards what I will be implementing in my own classroom. That was achieved throughout the competencies in each class. I was also hoping for study day to be part of the Spring semester since it is the most challenging semester.
Tell us more about your experience with TTAT.
My favorite part was study days. They really allowed the time to study for certification. As a cohort we gave recommendations for resources that will help us succeed with that.
What is it like in the classroom? How is the learning environment?
My placement has been a delight. My mentor teachers have been extremely knowledgeable and helpful to lead me to the right track to become an amazing teacher. The learning environment has been really great.
Describe the helpful and supportive culture at YES Prep.
YES Prep has supported me via their housing stipends to ease the stress of fees and tuition costs. YES Prep overall has been phenomenal towards TechTeach teacher candidates.
How would you describe the training and support you received?
Support has always been there. They have also included instructional guides for training days such as how to go about installing your email on their laptops, setting up an authenticating app, and step-by-step expectations on training days.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at YES Prep? What has been your favorite memory so far?
My favorite memory has been collaborating with my colleagues to come up with better study methods and what resources have helped us the best such as citation resources. Another favorite memory has been celebrating each other's birthdays.
What surprised you the most about teaching at YES Prep?
What has surprised me the most is the fast-paced job interview process was. It was not complicated and preparation was very straight forward.
What encouragement would you give someone who is considering applying to YES Prep, specifically the TTAT program?
I would encourage them to collaborate with their colleagues as much as possible. It is valuable to learn from one another and build that rapport because it contributes to productivity.
It might be that one of us misunderstood something or gained insight towards the directions of a specific assignment. When we communicate with each other, we can go back to the instructions with a clearer understanding. Of course, professors will always be there to clear confusions, but having the support of your cohort is so much faster and you build that trust.
Gina Becerra, YES Prep Tech Teach Teacher Resident
How did you hear about YES Prep and the Tech Teach Across Texas (TTAT) program?
Dr. Khan came to my education class at Lonestar College.
Why did you apply?
I liked the fact that I could get my bachelors in one year and with YES Prep we could get paid for the time that we were in the process.
What were you hoping for when you first applied?
To accomplished everything in less time to be able to make my dream a reality.
Tell us more about your experience with TTAT.
I feel like the overall experience with TTAT has been really stressful, but you are accomplishing everything in one year instead of two. At the end of the day I have a great support system with my cohort, I feel like if it wasn't for some of them, I would have quit a long time ago.
What is your favorite part of the program?
I got to meet amazing people in my cohort. I feel like I made friendships that are going to last forever.
What is it like in the classroom? How is the learning environment?
I love the classroom environment when we go to cluster. We are like a little family and we celebrate with each other.
Describe the helpful and supportive culture at YES Prep.
I think the principal is very important and Ms. LaFlure makes everyone feel welcome. She always has a smile on her face, and she is quick to assist anyone that needs help.
How has YES Prep supported you?
I have learned so much from my experience at YES, from the mentors, principal and assistant principals. Everyone is super supportive at YES Prep North Central.
How would you describe the training and support you received?
I would say that overall, I have learned a lot, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to be a part of this campus for both semesters.
What do you enjoy most about teaching at YES Prep?
The coaching that is provided.
What has been your favorite memory so far?
My second graders' little face when it was my birthday and when I had to say bye to them, it brought tears to my eyes.
What surprised you the most about teaching at YES Prep?
How understanding everyone is and how well the students helped me out.
What encouragement would you give someone who is considering applying to YES Prep, specifically the TTU program?
I would say find your team or crew, make sure that if you are too stressed out that you cry it out and keep pushing forward.
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If you are interested in getting certified to teach at one of our YES Prep award-winning campuses, learn more about the benefits of the TechTeach Across Texas program by visiting our website. The next cohort launches in July.