Program Overview

Odessa Pathway to Teaching (OPT) is a 17-month alternative certification program operated in Ector County ISD to prepare aspiring teachers to lead our students to academic success. Certification is available in Core Subjects EC-6, Core Subjects 4-8, Mathematics 7-12, Science 7-12, or English Language and Reading 7-12.

 

Our Culture

 

In Ector County, we know how a great teacher can impact a child’s life. We strive to train effective educators who are committed to creating inclusive classrooms with high expectations, supporting achievement for all students in ECISD. We believe essential skills and perspectives can come from all backgrounds, so no prior teaching experience or education coursework is necessary. However, strong applicants should crave feedback and strive to be the best they can be at any challenge they undertake, think on their feet and quickly devise solutions to unexpected challenges, and want to work hard and have fun while bringing passion and joy to their classrooms that inspire achievement and a real love of learning.

Does that sound like you? Read below to learn more about our benefits and eligibility requirements!

 

The Benefits

 

Participants enrolled in Odessa Pathway to Teaching will benefit from:

 

Targeted TExES Test Preparation: Odessa Pathway to Teaching is a non-PACT program, meaning applicants do not need to pass a Pre-Admissions content test to be accepted into OPT. Once accepted, OPT apprentices receive free access to a test preparation and support suite, including online test preparation resources, live/virtual test preparation sessions, and full-length practice tests.

 

Guided Practice and Coaching: We don’t send our apprentices into the classroom without guided practice, and we don’t leave their ongoing development up to chance. During our intensive, full-time Pre-Service Training, apprentices observe and lead instruction in real ECISD summer learning classrooms with the support of Mentor Teachers and OPT Field Supervisors. During the Internship Year, Mentor Teachers, Campus Instructional Coaches, and OPT Field Supervisors provide ongoing coaching and support to ensure our teachers can master the most essential skills and positively impact student achievement.

 

Full Salary and Benefits: Apprentices who successfully complete Pre-Service Training and are hired into an ECISD classroom for the 2025-2026 school year will complete their Internship Year while earning a full teacher salary - $60,600+ plus comprehensive benefits.

 

Required Qualifications

 

We are seeking diverse candidates from a variety of backgrounds to join our program. Though no prior teaching experience is required, Odessa Pathway to Teaching candidates must meet the following requirements to be considered for admission: 

• Have a bachelor’s degree by May 2025
• Have a 2.5 or better GPA (overall or in the last 60 credit hours of your undergraduate degree)
• Provide official copies of transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended
• Meet all legal requirements to work in the United States 
• Be able to pass a drug test and background check
• Pass the TOEFL exam by February 10, 2025 (if required)

Expectations

 

Because of the expedited timeline required to complete Odessa Pathway to Teaching, it is essential that participants commit to participating in several required program components. Below is a high-level list of the key time commitments to consider, but please note this list can change to meet apprentice and program needs.

• Must attend in-person test prep sessions one night a week and one Saturday a month from January 2025 to May 2025.
• Must participate in full-time, five-week Pre-Service Training from May 27, 2025 – June 27, 2025.
• Must complete online coursework and attend all skill-building sessions and workshops during the 2025-2026 school year.

 

To apply or for more information, visit our website at www.odessapathwaytoteaching.org or contact us at odessapathway@ectorcountyisd.org.