The McAllen ISD Apprenticeship Program (MAP) paves the way for current staff wishing to become classroom teachers. Now in its second year, the program celebrated 84 aspiring educators on September 4, 2026.
The McAllen ISD Apprenticeship Program is a pipeline designed to help district staff move from support positions, like paraprofessionals, to certified teaching roles.
While some are just starting their journey, others are already serving as teaching residents (student teachers who work alongside professional teachers who serve as mentors) through the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley or the Region One Education Service Center. McAllen ISD has 24 apprentices from its first group that started in 2025-26 and 60 in this school year’s group.
Applicants must have an Associates Degree and must commit to finishing a bachelor’s degree and earning a teaching certificate to be eligible for MAP.
The program supports them through training, coursework and assessments while using grant funds to reduce out-of-pocket costs such as college classes and tests.