Nacogdoches ISD has established a pathway for paraprofessionals in the district to obtain their teaching certificate.
NISD and Sam Houston State University, along with the T.L.L. Temple Foundation, held an organizational meeting July 10 at the District Support Center. Fourteen NISD paraprofessionals attended the informational meeting.
A school district paraprofessional provides instructional support and classroom management assistance but does not have a teaching certificate.
“This is one of a few partnerships that we have made to offer ways and share information about how paraprofessionals can obtain their degree and/or teacher certification,” said Harold Whitaker, NISD’s Executive Director of Human Resources. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for district staff to get their degree and/or certification to teach in the classroom.
The program will provide an opportunity for a paraprofessional to complete a bachelor’s degree and obtain certification during a two-year timeframe or obtain a certificate and a M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning. It can also assist with obtaining a teaching certificate for someone who already has a bachelor’s degree.
NISD staff wanting more information can contact Harold Whitaker, NISD Executive Director of Human Resources, at hwhitaker@nacisd.org.