Our groundbreaking IAT program has proven to be a huge success for many - including one Ms. Kathleen Stokes from Cleveland Middle School!
Ms. Stokes joined the district as a Tier 1 IAT in August 2022 after seeing an ad posted online on Principal Christina Castillo's neighborhood group page. It wasn't long before she became integrated into the CISD Family... and added to her own! In January 2023, Ms. Stokes gave birth to TWINS! In addition to her new parental challenges, she remained steadfast in her career goals and spent the remainder of 2023 working towards her Bachelor's degree - which she was able to obtain this past December and move into Tier 2 of our IAT program. Now, not quite three months later, she has just passed her content exam and is now able to enroll in the iTeach program. Through this enrollment, she is hoping to move into a Tier 3 IAT position as early as next week!
"I can't even put it into words," says Ms. Castillo. "To see her determination, her drive, her commitment - it is unbelievable and I am so excited to share her story to show others that this is possible... even pregnant with twins!"
Ms. Stokes is just one example of the amazing impact the IAT program has left on those willing to take the chance.
"I never thought I would be a teacher," says Ms. Stokes. "[The IAT program] allowed me to come in and fall in love with a profession I never thought I would pursue."
Ms. Stokes is also currently working towards her Master's degree and is expected to receive it in May of 2025.
If you or someone you know is interested in taking a chance on our IAT program, find out more information on our website here - https://www.clevelandisd.org/page/iat-teacher-program
Apply to join Cleveland ISD today! - https://www.applitrack.com/clevelandisd/onlineapp/
