Teaching the Future

As a student at Hutto High School, Leticia Leon was deeply involved in campus life. She cheered for the Hippos, competed with the robotics club, and excelled in the sciences—particularly enjoying algebra, calculus, physics, and chemistry. Those experiences built the foundation for her problem-solving skills and love for structured learning, which now serve her well as an educator.

Many of her former teachers, who still work in Hutto ISD, recognized her leadership skills early on and encouraged her to consider teaching. While attending Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School, she worked as a mentor for two years, guiding and supporting fellow students. She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) but realized that her passion for teaching far outweighed her interest in the corporate world.

After graduating from Texas A&M in 2023, Ms. Leon spent time substituting in classrooms across all grade levels, trying to determine her ideal teaching placement. She found herself drawn to elementary education, particularly grades 2-5, where students are independent yet eager to learn.

Ms. Leon’s journey into full-time teaching could have taken a different route—she had the option to pursue an alternative certification program while stepping directly into a classroom. However, she opted for Hutto ISD’s Teacher Apprenticeship Program, recognizing the value of structured training and mentorship.

Hutto ISD’s Teacher Apprenticeship Program is designed to provide hands-on experience while allowing participants to complete degree and certification requirements. This program ensures that aspiring teachers enter the classroom prepared and confident.

“The biggest benefit of the apprenticeship is the support,” Ms. Leon explained. “You’re paired with experienced educators who guide you through everything—classroom management, lesson planning, and different teaching strategies. You get to see behind the scenes and really learn before stepping into your own classroom.”

Rather than juggling certification coursework alongside first-year teaching responsibilities, Ms. Leon chose a structured approach. The apprenticeship

program allows her to build her teaching foundation without the overwhelming stress that often accompanies alternative certification pathways.

A native Spanish speaker from a Mexican-American family, Ms. Leon is passionate about bilingual education. As an On-Ramp 4 Hutto ISD Apprentice, she is currently working toward her Bilingual Supplemental Certification.

Ms. Leon’s apprenticeship journey has included challenges that ultimately strengthened her as an educator. Initially placed in a Functional Academics (FA) classroom, she found it difficult to gain exposure to a variety of teaching styles. However, when the lead teacher left, she stepped up to provide structure and leadership—an experience that reaffirmed her decision to teach.

 

Later, she transitioned to a Resource Inclusion setting, where she observed multiple classrooms and learned from experienced educators. Through these experiences, she developed skills in behavior management, time management, and lesson preparation.

 

A meaningful moment in her journey came when she was assigned to Cottonwood Creek Elementary, the very school she attended as a child. Walking the same halls as a mentor and guide to students solidified her belief that she was meant to teach.

“I’ve learned so much about different learning styles and how to modify instruction for students with different needs,” she shared. “This program has helped me become more organized and confident in my abilities as a future teacher.”

In fall 2025, Ms. Leon will begin teaching full-time as a bilingual elementary teacher in Hutto ISD, equipped with the knowledge and experience to make an immediate impact.

As she prepares to sign her official letter of intent at the Hutto ISD Apprentice Signing Day on April 29, she reflects on what this milestone means. “It’s a moment that signifies my growth and the opportunity ahead,” she said. “Teaching isn’t just a job for me—it’s a chance to shape young minds and be the support system that so many of my own teachers were for me.”

For anyone considering the Teacher Apprenticeship Program, Ms. Leon has simple advice: “If you’re serious about teaching, this program is the best way to start. You gain real-world experience, mentorship, and training that prepares you for success. It’s worth it.”

Applications are accepted until April 7 for Hutto ISD’s Teacher Apprenticeship 25-26 cohort. This is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and preparation for a successful teaching career. Apply today to take the first step toward becoming an educator.