Mesquite ISD reports stronger first‑year teacher retention after support programs

Mesquite Independent School District staff reported improvements in early‑career teacher retention and outlined programs intended to sustain that progress.

Jennifer Heiser, director of professional learning, told the board the district has 145 first‑year teachers this year and 170 second‑year teachers, totaling 315 teachers in their first two years — about 11% of the teaching staff. "This year, we retained 83% of our first year teachers," Heiser said, calling the increase "no small thing" and attributing gains to targeted supports including teacher support specialists (TSS), PACE cohorts and redesigned district professional learning days.

Heiser described TSS staff as part‑time, non‑evaluative coaches who provide on‑the‑job mentoring and support; the program is currently funded through Title II. She said the district had 30 TSSs this year (down from earlier years when Title II funding supported more), and those specialists carry a substantial caseload supporting first‑year teachers.

The presentation also outlined the PACE 'grow‑your‑own' pathway: the district currently has 83 PACE teachers serving in classrooms, with 36 IWU graduates (paraprofessionals who earned degrees and are moving toward certification). Heiser said the PACE pathway and other certification routes (including residency and non‑certified teacher alternatives) are being used to address statewide shortages of certified teachers.

Board members praised the work and asked questions about graduation ceremonies and program visibility. The report concluded with goals to expand certification pathways, maintain new‑teacher success and refine accountability systems.

Next steps: district staff will continue refining the professional learning blueprint and pursue legislative allotment deadlines for pathways funding where applicable.