Rick Griffith served 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, including time as a military pilot, and more than 20 years as an aerospace engineer. After retiring a little more than a decade ago, he said it took only about 30 days for him and his wife to determine that he had more to add to the workforce. This time, he would teach.
Tarrant County ISDs welcome experienced professionals from in-demand career fields like health sciences, construction, public safety, and transportation into the field of public education to help prepare the industry professionals of tomorrow. So, when Rick Griffith interviewed in the office of Dr. Dana Eldredge, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District (EMS ISD), she was excited to put him to work teaching aerospace engineering and aviation courses at the district’s Hollenstein Career and Technology Center.
“I give students my perspective from real life work… and I throw in real life examples,” said Mr. Griffith. “I also bring in former students of mine who are flying now.”
Eleven years later, Mr. Griffith’s time and EMS ISD’s investment in him have yielded remarkable returns for EMS ISD students. Alumni of his courses gained skills and competencies that have propelled them directly into top-paying jobs, top academic programs, and competitive scholarships.
“This class is actually helping me get a certification that is going to help me get my private pilot’s license,” said Lorena, an EMS ISD high school senior. “It’s the first step to getting what I need to become an airline transport pilot.”
Lorena does not have any pilots in her family, therefore, her CTE experience has been instrumental in building her knowledge and awareness of pathways to success in her desired industry. After students like Lorena earn an industry-based certification (IBC) from high school and begin making their own mark in the local workforce, Mr. Griffith has only one ask of them in return. “The biggest thing is for them to come back and tell the kids [that come behind them], this is what I’ve been able to do.”
EMS ISD has increased its percentage of graduates who have met college, career, and military readiness (CCMR) criteria by more than 20 percent over the past two years. CTE teachers have a significant role in equipping students for success after high school whether they choose a direct-to-career path or post-secondary education.
That’s why Dr. Jim Chadwell, Superintendent of Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD, along with other district leaders, is committed to strengthening systems to recruit and retain experienced industry professionals like Mr. Griffith in public education.
“It’s not just about children in my school district; it’s about children, period,” said Dr. Chadwell. “Rev has provided a structure and a reason to come together for a concerted purpose, and I really appreciate their willingness to go out and to seek first from each superintendent and leader in school districts to get to know us, listen to what our needs are, and then to create a partnership around what those needs are and make it collaborative.”
The ultimate goal driving these system level improvements is to make the best public education system for Tarrant County’s students, schools, and community.
“The role of public education is to provide a quality education for every child,” said Dr. Chadwell, “and to have a quality public education system is to further our country and to become better.”
*Source: TEA PIR Teacher Research Data Set, Report Year 2019-2023. Note: Percentages may vary due to rounding. Tarrant Co. refers to 16 ISDs plus Northwest ISD. These values reflect teachers with any certifications in these specified certification types regardless of any combination with other certifications from other certification types. Values exclude teachers with any out-of-state certifications. First-time teachers are defined as teachers that have 0 years of experience as of specified year.
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