By Amanda Goode, Katrina Maccalous, and James Slaughter
Teaching is an adventure unlike any other—you’re not just leading lessons, you’re shaping lives. It’s thrilling, sometimes overwhelming, and endlessly rewarding. Certification is an important milestone on this journey, but it’s not the finish line. The teachers who really make a difference are the ones who pair their certification with great mentorship and lifelong learning—support that helps you grow, roll with the challenges, and keep experiencing the joy of watching your students learn and succeed every single day.
Certification as the Foundation - Amanda Goode
“I want to be a teacher.” I remember declaring it with certainty, full of hope, though the path ahead was a complete mystery. My goal was clear: to impact the hearts and minds of students, to make a difference. Passion and a degree, however, could only take me so far.
That’s where the certification process comes into play. Certification lays the groundwork for every teacher’s journey. It’s the starting point that ensures educators step into the classroom with a solid understanding of content, pedagogy, and professional standards. But certification isn’t just a formality or a box to check; it’s a foundation. For me, it represented a crucial first step in building my career in education.
That’s where IMPACT ETX comes in. What sets our program apart is our personal approach—we guide and support every candidate throughout their certification journey. We’re dedicated to ensuring Region 7 schools have the best educators: qualified, passionate teachers who are connected to a local network of peers and supported every step of the way—so you don’t just start strong, you keep growing.
Do you remember your first mentor as an educator? What impact did that have on you?
For me, my first mentor was assigned as a matter of compliance–she was not in my same grade level, nor were we provided any time inside instructional hours to collaborate. All in all, I think we met maybe three times, including one classroom observation I made during her reading block. Through no fault of her own–she had her own classroom of students and responsibilities–I did not leave my first year in education feeling confident or supported. In fact, I elected to leave that campus the following year, and thankfully, I found a wonderful community of teachers who unofficially took me under their wing and guided me toward becoming the educator I am today. Unfortunately, my story is not unique. Mentoring is a crucial part of the recruitment and retainment process and must be prioritized if we want to change the narrative.
Now that I have transitioned into my role at the ESC, my primary focus is on supporting districts in developing strong mentor programs to ensure our new educators find those connections that empower them to become reflective and skilled practitioners who remain in the field. Here at IMPACT ETX, we are committed to helping mentors and mentees build those relationships and develop the skills necessary to thrive because Mentors Matter. Our program is a strategic investment in teacher retention, instructional excellence, and district sustainability, and one that, with proper dedication coupled with on-going, job-embedded professional development and growth, has the potential to lead to positive outcomes for our most important stakeholders–our students.
Professional Development as Continuous Growth - James SlaughterWe all remember our first year of teaching. The long days and nights. The overwhelming exhaustion. The feeling of total inadequacy that makes you question your decision to become a teacher. Without a doubt, your first year of teaching is the most challenging job anyone will ever do. There is so much to learn from managing a classroom full of students, planning aligned lessons with appropriate pacing and transitions, implementing instructional strategies that engage learners, checking for understanding, and building assessments, just to name a few.
For me, it took the entirety of my first year before I ever felt like I was starting to grasp these topics. As the year progressed, I slowly learned how to accomplish these tasks more efficiently and effectively through attending professional development. Having professional learning targeted to my needs as a new teacher was invaluable, and if I am honest, the main reason I survived my first year of teaching.
If you need targeted learning for a new teacher, I highly recommend sharing the links to these "Learning on Demand Series." We partnered with former teachers of the year throughout Region 7 to help develop these short (1-hour), focused trainings designed to support first- and second-year teachers' work in the classroom.
Text from the graphic above:
IMPACT E-TX Professional Development — Learning on Demand Series (1-hour PD)
- 386770 Classroom Management
- 386799 Lesson Planning
- 386767 Assessment
- 386809 Pacing and Transitions
- 386815 Instructional Strategies
Contact: [email protected] at impactetx.net or 903-988-6976
ConclusionFrom the starting line of certification, across the bridge of mentorship, and onto the lifelong path of professional development, a teacher’s journey unfolds. Certification opens the doors to a career in education, while mentorship and professional development unlock a teacher’s true potential. Teacher effectiveness isn’t achieved in a moment—it’s cultivated over a career. The IMPACT ETX program is designed to ensure every teacher has the tools, guidance, and support needed to make a lasting difference. Learn more about how IMPACT ETX can support your journey at impactetx.net.
Our IMPACT ETX CO-OP!
Here’s what you’ll gain as a member:
- Discount on certification – save on your pathway to becoming a teacher
- Professional mentorship training & support – guidance from experienced educators
- Ongoing professional development – with a focus on Classroom Management, Student Engagement, and Data-Driven Instruction
Be part of a network that equips and supports you every step of the way! For more information on the IMPACT ETX CO-OP, reach out to Kevin Blain at [email protected].
Don’t miss out! Join today!
Text from the graphic above:
Program Benefits at a Glance
Our ImpactETX program offers multiple levels of support to help new teachers succeed — from professional development and certification to mentorship opportunities.
- Professional Development: Access on-demand videos, attend area-wide sessions, or schedule on-site PD designed especially for first- and second-year teachers.
- Teacher Certification: Tuition is $4,750 with discounts available — 5% off for individuals and 10% off for districts that pay tuition on behalf of candidates.
- Mentor Supports: Choose from on-demand mentor training, on-site sessions, and professional mentor services (available for an additional fee).
Each level is designed to build skills, strengthen confidence, and create lasting success in the classroom.
