Round Rock ISD proudly hosted the second annual RRock Resident Teacher Signing Day on Wednesday, June 18, welcoming the 2025–2026 cohort of teacher residents from Texas State University.
This year’s event marked a continued commitment to growing and retaining excellent educators through the district’s innovative paid teacher residency program, which first launched in 2024. After a successful first year, six of the seven original residents were hired as full-time teachers at C.D. Fulkes Middle School. The district is again partnering with Texas State to provide aspiring teachers with another full-year, hands-on teaching experience.
Before the signing, Round Rock ISD Senior Chief of Schools and Innovation, Dr. Natalie Nichols, spoke these words of encouragement to our residents.
“I know it's going to be work, but you're going to be part of a team that's here for you and each other every day,” said Dr. Nichols. “You're going to be engaged with a team that will love you, speak truth to you, and work hard to make sure you're successful. Everyone will be conspiring for your success.”
Seven new teacher residents were introduced during the ceremony. Each was matched with a dedicated host teacher at C.D. Fulkes. They will spend the 2025–2026 school year learning in the classroom, receiving mentorship, and gaining practical experience as they prepare for future teaching roles.
“I heard about this program through my major,” said Janae Harvey, Texas State University senior and newly appointed Resident Teacher. “I chose it because I’m from Round Rock. I actually graduated from Cedar Ridge!”
Harvey said she’s looking forward to learning from her mentor and everyone at C.D. Fulkes this upcoming school year.
The incoming cohort includes:
Janae Harvey, who’s been paired with 6th-grade Math teacher Jennifer Gregorcyk.
Bailey Fair and Amber Blaskowsky will be mentored by Trisha Corona Guinn, a 6th-grade English Language Arts teacher.
Ruby Jones, mentored by 6th-grade Math teacher Jenna Grubbs.
Erin Willette and Alysen Sherburne will be paired with 7th and 8th-grade English Language Arts teacher Mikita Blakley.
And Astrid Wilson will learn from 7th-grade English Language Arts teacher Rachel Connell.
This year, their mentors include several host teachers from the inaugural program and a new mentor introduced this year.
Assistant Director of Strategic Staffing and Recruitment and HR liaison for the residency program, Taylor Ratliff, said she’s excited to see the program grow and evolve this year.
“My hope for year 2 is that our residents feel like we were ready for them,” said Ratliff. “Year one, we were building the plane while flying it, I know that they felt that. It took some time, so my hope for this year is that the residents feel like this is a well-established, solid program that was ready for them and had a clear vision from beginning to end.”
The new residents were selected through a competitive process facilitated by university faculty. The program offers more than experience. Residents receive a competitive salary, a sign-on bonus, full benefits, and access to educator housing discounts. Once they complete the program and meet state certification requirements, they will earn a year of teaching service and become eligible for full-time roles in the district.