Teachers of Tomorrow Commemorates Two Decades of Inspiring Educators in 2025

Celebrating 20 Years of Teachers of Tomorrow

Houston, TX - Teachers of Tomorrow (ToT), the premier Educator Preparation Program (EPP), proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025. With a legacy of over 85,000 certified educators, ToT has earned its place as the largest teacher certification program in the United States. This milestone comes at a critical time when many school districts are grappling with significant teacher shortages and a growing reliance on alternative certification pathways.

"Teaching is the most powerful investment in the future," asserts Dr. Heath Morrison, the CEO of Teachers of Tomorrow. "Every teacher stepping into a classroom plays a pivotal role in shaping not just individual lives, but entire families and communities."

As the education system faces mounting challenges, including increasing numbers of uncertified teachers, the role of well-prepared educators has never been more important. Research indicates that classrooms led by uncertified teachers lead to diminished learning outcomes for students and a higher turnover of staff, contributing to heightened stress for those who remain. In response, districts across the country are increasingly looking to ToT to not only recruit but also equip qualified educators with the necessary tools for success.

A key to ToT's growth and continued success has been its ongoing transformation, particularly following its acquisition by The Rise Fund in 2021. Known for its mission-driven investments, The Rise Fund appointed Dr. Heath Morrison, a distinguished former school superintendent and National Superintendent of the Year, to lead this change. His leadership has led to essential improvements in student support, curriculum, test preparations, and overall quality enhancements.

These investments have been mirrored in the exceptional outcomes of ToT's recent compliance and accreditation review by the Texas Education Agency (TEA), where the organization achieved nearly perfect results. Further, TEA's latest data illustrates that ToT graduates exhibit the highest retention rates over one, three, and five years compared to other leading EPPs in Texas. This statistic is essential for ensuring the preparedness of educators, ultimately making an impact in the fight against teacher shortages.

Supporting this notion, a comprehensive study conducted by the REDEE Center at Texas State University found that new teachers from ToT achieved student growth in both math and English comparable to those from traditional college pathways, and superior to those from other alternative certification programs. This affirmation of quality is significant as it underscores ToT's commitment to educational excellence.

As ToT reflects on its two-decade journey, the organization remains steadfast in its resolution to advance its mission of ensuring every child has access to a qualified and certified teacher in their classroom. Looking to the future, Teachers of Tomorrow is excited to continue its role in cultivating generations of skilled educators.

About Teachers of Tomorrow

Founded with the goal of transforming the educational landscape, Teachers of Tomorrow has trained more than 85,000 certified teachers across the nation, making it the largest alternative teacher certification program in the country. Many of its alumni have gained significant recognition, including accolades such as the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) Teacher of the Year. For inquiries, please contact Alice Claiborne at 713-865-6342 or via email at [email protected].