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BASTROP — Some Bastrop Independent School District teachers said they are feeling forgotten and used after an incorporated collegiate program left them without many options.
Local classroom leaders were heavily persuaded to enroll in Hartwell University, a private Christian program for education degrees and certifications, without the district sharing some critical information, according to the teachers.
“I would just like to mention how heartbroken we are and how our dreams are shattered because we wanted to be leaders for BISD, and as we all know, in BISD we trust. Right now, we feel robbed, scammed and very disheartened,” said Desirae Davila, a teacher at Cedar Creek Elementary who spoke with tears in her eyes at last week’s School Board meeting.
Several Bastrop ISD teachers hired under the District of Innovation Plan were encouraged to get their degree through Hartwell with a 50% discount off tuition. Not until two years into enrollment were these district workers made aware that the school was unaccredited and didn’t provide certification valid in Texas, according to speakers.
“We just feel like we were Guinea pigs of this program. Our district served us this university on a platter, but they withheld the information that what we were enrolling in was not accredited,” added Davila.
Enrolled teachers can choose to finish out their program in hopes that the school becomes accredited before they graduate, or choose to accept their certification only valid in Arizona and pay out-of-pocket to have it transferred to Texas, an expensive process.
Accreditat ion for Hartwell University has been pending since 2021.
Public comment speakers made note of the sacrifices that they have made to finish their degree and shared a sentiment of futility. They stated that principals were “zealous” with a shortage of teachers, and pushed the online program without informing them that it wouldn’t put the temporary instructors in a position to secure a full-time job.
“We have put our marriage on hold because of this, our children, family events, everything,” said Davila.
Educators are asking that the board extend the deadline for DOI teachers to earn certification valid in Texas, or cover the fees associated with transferring certifications.
“This was the program that I was offered, and that I enrolled in,” said second-year teacher Jadyn Navaira.
The current cutoff for DOI instructors to get their degree is three years, the Hartwell program lasts a minimum of two years.
The Bastrop ISD School Board did not address this matter during the meeting, more information to come as the story progresses.
