Aspiring Teacher Program Helps Build Dallas ISD’s Future Teachers: Meet Oscar Yañez
Finding and keeping great teachers is one of the biggest challenges facing schools across the country. In Dallas, innovative programs are helping grow the next generation of educators from within the community.
The United to Learn Aspiring Teachers program connects college and high school students with paid tutoring roles in Dallas ISD elementary schools. Participants gain real classroom experience, support student literacy, and build a pathway into the teaching profession.
For Oscar Yañez, the program is doing even more. It is helping him prepare for his dream job: returning to the school where he now tutors as a full-time teacher.
Meet Oscar Yañez, an Aspiring Teacher at Bethune Elementary
Oscar Yañez is a student at UNT Dallas and an Aspiring Teacher tutor at Bethune Elementary School through United to Learn.
After graduating this December, he hopes to begin his teaching career at the same campus where he now serves students each week.
At 7:30 each morning, Oscar arrives before the first bell ready to guide, encourage, and connect with the students he supports.
A Paid Tutoring Program for College Students in Dallas
Oscar learned about the Aspiring Teachers program through a friend at UNT Dallas.
The opportunity immediately stood out because it matched two important goals: earning income while in college and gaining experience in education.
Flexibility mattered, too.
Before joining the program, Oscar balanced school, work, multiple commutes, and volunteer commitments. Once he was placed at Bethune Elementary, just six minutes from home, his schedule became far more manageable.
That change gave him more time and energy to invest in both college and the students he serves.
“I love working with kids,” Oscar says. “And you get paid, and you get a flexible schedule—it’s the best of both worlds.”
Building Real Classroom Experience Before Graduation
The Aspiring Teachers program gives future educators hands-on experience inside elementary schools before they graduate.
Oscar’s weekly schedule reflects that balance:
- Mondays and Wednesdays: Bethune Elementary
- Thursdays and Fridays: Classes at UNT Dallas
- Tuesdays: Study time
It is a full schedule, but one he embraces because every week brings new growth.
Recently, Oscar led his first full lesson on counting money, including cents and equivalents.
“I thought it was going to be really hard,” he says. “But it wasn’t as hard as I thought. I realized I was overthinking it.”
Planning and leading that lesson helped strengthen his confidence and confirmed that teaching is the right path for him.
Why Early Literacy Tutoring Matters
The Aspiring Teachers program does more than prepare future teachers. It also provides direct support to Dallas ISD elementary students during critical early learning years.
Students receive additional literacy support, one-on-one attention, and encouragement from caring tutors who are building their own careers in education.
42% of tutored students grew at least one grade level overall from the beginning to the middle of the 2025-2026 school year
91% of tutored students showed substantial literacy growth in 2024–2025.
When schools strengthen literacy and grow future educators at the same time, students benefit now and in the years ahead.
Representation and Connection in the Classroom
Oscar also brings his personal story and cultural perspective into the classroom.
Born in Mexico and raised in Dallas since age four, he understands how language and identity shape a student’s sense of belonging.
“A lot of Hispanic kids don’t even know how to read Spanish,” he says. “Their parents speak English with them all the time. I don’t want them to forget where they come from—their heritage.”
For Oscar, teaching is not only about academics. It is about helping students feel seen, understood, and proud of who they are.
A Dream to Return as a Full-Time Teacher
Oscar already feels connected to the Bethune community and hopes to stay there long-term.
“If there’s an opening, I really hope I get to teach at Bethune,” he says. “I already have relationships with the students and teachers. We’re bonded.”
His story reflects what is possible when schools and community partners invest in future educators.
“I’m so thankful for this program,” he says. “There isn’t another job that would be this flexible and fulfilling.”
And when asked if he would recommend the program to others, his answer comes quickly:
“I tell my friends all the time.”
What Is the United to Learn Aspiring Teachers Program?
The United to Learn Aspiring Teachers program connects motivated high school and college students with paid tutoring opportunities in Dallas ISD elementary schools.
Through partnerships with Dallas ISD campuses, colleges, and universities, the program helps:
- Build the teacher pipeline in Dallas
- Provide classroom experience for future educators
- Support literacy growth for elementary students
- Strengthen schools through community investment
Why the Teacher Pipeline Matters in Dallas
Strong schools need strong teachers.
By creating opportunities for future educators like Oscar, Dallas can grow more teachers who already know the community, understand students, and are ready to lead classrooms with care and confidence.
That is how communities help students thrive today while preparing schools for tomorrow.