An exciting program aimed at helping paraprofessionals in Polk County transition to certified teaching roles is officially underway with the registration of the first student, who was also recently hired by LISD for a paraprofessional position on the junior high campus.
The Texas State University System (TSUS) introduced the program which is a partnership between Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) and Sam Houston State University (SHSU). Funded by a grant, the initiative provides a supportive and accessible pathway to achieve teaching credentials. Classes and resources will be offered at the TSUS Polk County Center, with flexibility designed for working professionals.
Nora Zavala was employed by Livingston ISD as a bus driver and a substitute teacher when she received an email about this very program. She attended a meeting to learn more about the program, had all of her questions answered and decided to pursue the opportunity.
“I started as a substitute teacher last year because I was already thinking about being a teacher. I already had a lot of college hours because at first, I was going for accounting,” Zavala said.
She transitioned to a paraprofessional position at Livingston Junior High School earlier this month. “I work with kids to get them back on track,” Zavala said, adding that she is going for the early childhood bilingual program.
This program is tailored to paraprofessionals who want to advance their careers in education. Participants can earn an associate of arts in teaching (AAT) degree through LSCO before transitioning to SHSU for advanced certification courses. With support for students at any stage of their educational journey, this program is an excellent opportunity for those ready to take the next step.
LSCO provides the foundational AAT degree at the TSUS Polk County Center. This degree program prepares students with essential skills and knowledge in teaching while creating a strong pathway to further education at SHSU. Students will receive personalized academic support to ensure a smooth transition to advanced coursework.
After completing the AAT degree, students will begin classes at SHSU, which offers specialized instruction to meet state certification requirements. This transition ensures participants are well-equipped to become qualified educators in Texas classrooms.
As of right now, Livingston and Coldspring ISDs are signed up to participate. However, any of the areas school districts that are interested are encouraged to participate.
Although classes start in late January, it is not too late to participate. The first step is to register at applytexas.org.
The program is open to paraprofessionals and students with varying levels of educational attainment, including those who have partially completed a bachelor’s degree. Admission requirements include applying via ApplyTexas.org, providing transcripts and a photo ID. LSCO staff are available at the Polk County Center to assist with the application process.
“What we’re trying to do is bring in all the schools. Coldspring is off on Fridays so they can take classes then. We’ll also be offering night classes. The goal is to get the students here and we will work with the schools around their schedules,” Vic Wheeler, director of the Rural East Texas Career Academy, a career and technology education center launched by LSCO at the TSUS Polk County Center, said.
Paraprofessionals may qualify for the educational aide exemption program, which waives tuition costs, leaving students responsible only for fees. This significant financial benefit, combined with other available aid such as scholarships and grants, makes the program highly accessible. Support for FAFSA applications is also available onsite.
“This grant pays for all tuition and the student will pay just a few fees, so this should be relatively inexpensive,” Wheeler said.
Students who need to take the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (TSIA2) can do so at the TSUS Polk County Center. The TSIA2 assesses readiness for college-level courses in math, reading and writing, and LSCO provides resources to help students prepare for this requirement.
The program offers 24/7 online tutoring, virtual library access, and textbook rental programs to support students throughout their journey. Flexible class schedules ensure that paraprofessionals can balance their education with their existing responsibilities.
“This initiative not only meets the growing need for qualified educators in Texas, but also provides paraprofessionals with financial, academic and logistical support to achieve their teaching goals,” Wheeler said.
“Call us or come on out to the TSUS Polk County Center and either myself or Kristin or Linda can help you. We can help you get registered, and we can administer the TSI assessment which is scored immediately,” Wheeler said.
The TSUS Polk County Center is located at 1015 US 59 Loop North in Livingston.
