Denton Independent School District marked a milestone yesterday as 16 teacher residents officially signed their contracts during the district's annual Signing Day celebration, formally committing to the Denton ISD family as they continue their journey toward full-time teaching careers. Representatives from the University of North Texas (UNT) and Texas Woman's University (TWU) were also in attendance to honor the occasion alongside district leaders, mentor teachers, and campus teams.

Signing Day is a cherished tradition within Denton ISD's Teacher Residency Program — a paid, immersive pathway that allows future educators to earn their teaching certification while gaining real-world classroom experience in Denton ISD schools. Through partnerships with UNT and TWU, residents complete their university certification coursework while teaching and learning alongside experienced Denton ISD educators, receiving $20,000 in compensation plus benefits throughout the program.

Unlike traditional certification routes, the Teacher Residency Program removes financial barriers by paying residents as they learn, while also providing a credit year contributing to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) of Texas. Residents spend dedicated instructional time each week on a Denton ISD campus, working directly with students and collaborating with mentor teachers, instructional leaders, and campus teams. Upon successful completion, residents are prepared to transition seamlessly into full-time teaching roles within the district.

“This Signing Day is a celebration of the dedication, passion, and hard work of our teacher residents,” said Dr. Susannah Holbert O’Bara, Denton ISD Superintendent. “Denton ISD is committed to growing our own educators, and this program is a testament to that commitment. These 16 residents have invested in our students and our community, and we couldn’t be more proud to officially welcome them into the Denton ISD family.”

“The Teacher Residency Program represents everything we believe about building a strong and sustainable workforce for Denton ISD,” said Jason Rainey, Interim Superintendent of Human Resources. “By pairing residents with exceptional mentor teachers and providing hands-on experience from day one, we’re not just filling positions; we’re cultivating educators who are deeply rooted in our schools and our students’ success. Signing Day is a proud moment for Denton ISD and our Human Resources team.”

The 16 teacher residents who signed their contracts yesterday, along with their dedicated mentor teachers, are:

• Emali Campbell, mentored by Kim Alexander
• Isabella Cardozo-Coyne, mentored by Leiza Castro
• Breanna Castillo, mentored by Elia Najera
• Ava Corcoran, mentored by Willa Kemper
• Josephine Gonzalez, mentored by Ita Acosta
• Julia Gonzalez, mentored by Flor Cooper
• Abigail Hall, mentored by Megan Foster
• Anna Hamilton, mentored by Sunny Emery
• Ryleigh Hanks, mentored by Katie Chapman
• Naomi Lane, mentored by Brandi Rodriguez
• Jennifer Lopez, mentored by Meagan Whitaker
•  Natalia Lopez, mentored by Jennifer Jones
• Yoana Martinez, mentored by Ana Medina
• Jillian Roberts, mentored by Monica May
• America Tovar, mentored by Laura Colon Ortiz
• Ella Wiley, mentored by Sarah Montes 

Denton ISD’s Teacher Residency Program continues to serve as a model for innovative teacher preparation, offering a clear pathway to full-time employment and early entry into the profession with real, meaningful classroom experience. The district looks forward to watching this cohort grow into the dedicated educators that Denton ISD students deserve.

About Denton ISD’s Teacher Residency Program

The Denton ISD Teacher Residency Program is a paid, immersive certification pathway developed in partnership with the University of North Texas and Texas Woman’s University. Residents receive $20,000 in compensation plus benefits, hands-on classroom experience, mentorship from experienced educators, and a clear pathway to full-time employment within Denton ISD. The program also provides a credit year toward the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) of Texas. For more information, visit Denton ISD’s Teacher Residency Program webpage.