Tomball ISD Launches Tomball Academy of Future Educators at New Tomball West High School
Tomball ISD has announced the launch of its second Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program: the Tomball Academy of Future Educators (TAFE), set to open at the brand-new Tomball West High School in August 2026. This innovative initiative, developed in partnership with Lone Star College–Tomball, is designed to prepare current Tomball ISD eighth-grade students (Class of 2030) for careers in education—tuition-free.
TAFE is the latest addition to the district’s expanding focus on workforce-aligned education, following the success of the Tomball Academy of Healthcare at Tomball Star Academy, which opened during the 2023-2024 school year.
The Tomball Academy of Future Educators will operate as a “school within a school” at Tomball West High School, offering a unique combination of high school, college, and workplace learning. Through the Texas Education Agency’s P-TECH model, students will earn their high school diploma alongside an Associate of Arts in Teaching degree, TEA Education Aide I Certification, and extensive classroom-based experience.
“We are proud to introduce the Tomball Academy of Future Educators, a new P-TECH program designed to inspire and equip the next generation of teachers and educational leaders,” said Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, Superintendent of Schools for Tomball ISD. “As the demand for dedicated and well-prepared educators continues to rise, we believe it is our responsibility to invest in our students who are called to serve and lead in education."
TAFE: A No-Cost Pathway to a Teaching Career
Open to all current 8th graders in Tomball ISD junior high schools, the program is particularly focused on serving first-generation college students and historically underrepresented groups. The 50-student cohort will begin in Fall 2026, and interested students will apply through the Home Access Center; if interest exceeds capacity, a lottery system will be used.
Through TAFE, students will receive:
- Free tuition, textbooks, and fees
- An Associate of Arts in Teaching degree from Lone Star College–Tomball
- TEA Education Aide I Certification
- Mentorship from Tomball ISD professionals
- Work-based learning, including internships and classroom placements
- Priority job interviews with Tomball ISD after completing certification requirements
Classes will be held at Tomball West High School and Lone Star College–Tomball, with bus transportation available to eligible students from across the district. TAFE students will also participate in UIL activities—such as athletics, band, choir, and theater—as full members of Tomball West High School, regardless of their attendance zone.
“Partnering with Tomball ISD to create meaningful opportunities for students is a cornerstone of our mission at LSC-Tomball,” said Dr. Lee Ann Nutt, President of Lone Star College–Tomball. “This partnership creates a ripple effect—TAFE participants gain valuable experience and preparation for their teaching careers, while the students they'll one day teach will benefit from their enhanced training and dedication to educational excellence."
Addressing the Growing Demand for Educators
As Texas faces an ongoing teacher shortage, TAFE is part of Tomball ISD’s “grow your own” strategy—developing future educators from within its own student population. With the education field identified as a high-demand, high-wage industry in Texas, the P-TECH model provides students a powerful, no-cost opportunity to access both college and career.
“Students who are motivated by in-depth coursework and internships, and who need a no-cost solution to attend college, will find TAFE to be the ideal launchpad,” said a district representative.
TAFE will join a statewide network of P-TECH programs supported by the Texas Education Agency, offering rigorous dual-credit coursework, hands-on learning, and real-world mentorship. By graduation, students will be ready to step into roles such as early childhood educators, paraprofessionals, or teaching assistants—or continue on to complete a bachelor’s degree and earn initial teacher certification.
“This is more than a program—it’s a vision for the future of education in Tomball ISD,” added another district spokesperson.
How to Apply: Class of 2030 Application Timeline
- Who can apply: Current 8th grade students enrolled in any Tomball ISD junior high school
- Application opens: Fall 2025
- Information Nights: Fall 2025
- Lottery (if needed): December 2025
For more details, families can visit tomballisd.net/tafe or the Tomball West High School website.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.