Beginning with the 2026-27 school year, the Instructional Apprentice position has been renamed Instructional Associate. This change better reflects the role's purpose as a pathway for aspiring teachers pursuing certification.

Instructional Associate and Aspiring Teacher positions provide candidates enrolled in approved Texas Educator Preparation Programs (EPPs) with the opportunity to gain valuable classroom experience while preparing for a career in education. Participants receive mentorship, instructional support, professional learning opportunities, and access to certification exam preparation resources while employed full-time with Fort Bend ISD. 

Position Overview

Instructional Associate and Aspiring Teacher positions combine full-time employment with structured support designed to help aspiring educators successfully transition into the teaching profession. 

Participants receive: 

• Full-time employment with Fort Bend ISD  
• Competitive salary and benefits  
• Mentorship and instructional support from experienced educators  
• Access to certification exam preparation resources  
• Professional learning opportunities  
• Classroom experience in a public-school setting  

Positions are available based on district staffing needs and candidate qualifications. 

Both positions share the same eligibility requirements, program expectations, and support structures. 

Eligibility Requirements: Instructional Apprentice

To qualify for an Instructional Associate or Aspiring Teacher position, candidates must: 

• Hold a conferred bachelor's degree from an accredited institution  
• Be actively enrolled in a Texas-approved Alternative Certification Program (ACP) or have recently completed a university-based Educator Preparation Program (EPP)  
• Have completed all required program coursework, with only certification exams and required observation hours remaining   
• Have no more than two years of ACP enrollment at the time of hire  
• Have no more than one failed certification exam attempt, or two attempts with current exam approval from the EPP  
• Be able to provide documentation verifying coursework completion, exam status, and observation progress  

Additional Eligibility Requirements for Aspiring Teacher Positions 

Candidates applying for Aspiring Teacher positions in Special Education, Bilingual Education, or Pre-Kindergarten must also: 

• Be approved by their Educator Preparation Program to test in the applicable certification area  
• Be eligible for a Program Deficiency Plan (PDP), if applicable  
• Not have previously held an Emergency Permit  

Additional requirements may apply based on certification area and state requirements. 

Program Benefits 

• Full-time salaried employment with medical and retirement benefits 
• Mentoring and instructional coaching from experienced educators
• Access to certification exam preparation resources, including 240 Tutoring  
• Professional learning opportunities  
• Valuable classroom experience while completing certification requirements  

Application Information 

Applications for the 2026-27 school year are expected to open on June 15, 2026 through the Fort Bend ISD Careers website. 

Candidates should be prepared to submit: 

• Resume
• College Transcripts
• Educator Preparation Program enrollment documentation
• Coursework completion verification  
• Certification exam approval and/or testing status documentation     

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible once postings become available.  

Have Questions?

For questions regarding eligibility, certification requirements, or employment opportunities, please submit an inquiry through the Fort Bend ISD Online Service Center. A member of the Human Resources team will be happy to assist you.