Homegrown Educators: More than 100 seniors get letters guaranteeing them teaching jobs in Dallas ISD after they get their bachelor’s degree

As she held a letter of intent in her right hand, Sunset High School’s Destiny Campos gave her mom a big hug, thanking her for a lifetime of support.

The letter of intent is a big deal: Through a partnership with Dallas ISD’s P-TECH program and Human Capital Management department, it guarantees Destiny a teaching job in Dallas ISD after she gets her bachelor’s degree and the necessary training. The average district teaching salary is about $64,000.

Destiny was one of more than 100 Dallas ISD P-TECH students in the education pathway who received a letter of intent during a special ceremony at Adamson High School.

“I’m really proud of myself. It feels good to be recognized for my hard work and for not giving up on myself,” she said. “And knowing I have a great job waiting for me after I get my degree is an amazing feeling.”

The Dallas ISD Education Pathway is a challenging program that provides an opportunity for bright, ambitious students to take college-level courses and graduate with both an associate degree and a high school diploma. Graduating seniors from the four schools with an Education Pathway – Bryan Adams Collegiate Academy, W.W. Samuell Early College High School, Sunset Collegiate Academy, and W.T. White Collegiate Academy – were applauded during the letter of intent ceremony on April 14.

Superintendent Michael Hinojosa commended the students for pursuing a noble profession in education.

“I look to the future with hope and aspiration because of students like you,” he said.

Deputy Superintendent Susana Cordova shared with the students her background in education that began as a teacher in Denver.

“The very best decision I made in my life, other than marrying my husband, was becoming a teacher,” she said. “Thank you all for answering the call to teach.”

Back in the hallway after the ceremony, Destiny reflected on her dreams for the future.

“Just like I’ve gotten help from teachers, I want to be a person who helps others,” she said. “And now I know I will have an opportunity to do that, right here in Dallas ISD.”