Talent Development

We provide structured pathways for individuals at different stages of their journey to teacher certification, from employees completing their bachelor's degree through the Registered Apprenticeship Program to degreed professionals completing certification through an approved Alternative Certification Program.

RAP: Registered Apprenticeship Program is Sheldon ISD’s “Grow Your Own” teacher development program. It provides a structured pathway for current employees who are pursuing their college degree and teacher certification to develop into highly qualified teachers while continuing to work in the district.

What makes RAP unique is that participants learn while doing. They progress through four developmental Ramps based on their college hours, receiving increasingly intensive, job-embedded experiences. Along the way, they receive mentoring, coaching, classroom observations, professional learning, and opportunities to practice effective instruction alongside experienced educators.

Once participants reach Ramp 4, Teacher Residency, they receive an immersive classroom experience under the guidance of a Multi Classroom Leader (MCL). The goal is not simply to help someone earn a degree or certification, it is to intentionally prepare, develop, and retain effective teachers who already know Sheldon ISD’s students, campuses, curriculum, culture, and expectations.

An Adjunct Teacher is a degreed professional who has been hired as the Teacher of Record but has not yet completed full Texas teacher certification requirements. The adjunct pathway allows the individual to begin teaching while working toward certification through an approved Alternative Certification Program (ACP).

Unlike a RAP Teacher Resident, who is still completing their degree and teaches under the guidance of an MCL, an Adjunct Teacher already holds a bachelor’s degree and is responsible for their own classroom as the Teacher of Record. They receive structured support, coaching, professional development, and monitoring while completing the requirements necessary to become certified.