Numerous interested educational paraprofessionals from area school districts converged on the Texas State University System (TSUS) Polk County Center Nov. 18 to learn more about a teacher preparation college program that Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) and Sam Houston State University (SHSU) are offering that prepares for Texas teacher certification.
Through this program, cohorts of paraprofessionals employed by the school districts in the Polk County area enroll in LSCO’s Associate of Arts in Teaching program with courses being taught at the TSUS Polk County Center. When students within the cohort complete their AAT program with LSCO, they will have seamless transfer to SHSU to complete their bachelor’s degree in a teacher certification preparation program.
“As we all know, the demand for qualified teachers in our state is at an all-time high. We are thrilled to establish this partnership with Sam Houston State University and the Polk County area ISDs to produce more teachers to address this shortfall. These bright students will no doubt have a lasting impact in our community, and in making a vibrant, talent-strong Texas, moving forward,” Dr. Tom Johnson, president of Lamar State College Orange, said.
“The partnership between LSCO, SHSU, and the Polk County area ISDs is an excellent example of how collaboration works to expand our talented pipeline of teachers in rural East Texas. We look forward to providing intentional support to our students and watching this program grow,” Johnson said.
Livingston ISD Superintendent Dr. Brent E. Hawkins expressed his excitement about the opportunity.
“This partnership between Lamar College Orange, Sam Houston State University, TLL Temple Foundation and the local school district has the opportunity to be one of the most impactful school improvement initiatives possible. Student outcomes in schools correlate with turnover of staff and quality of staff. Growing teachers in our community not only improves the education for the students but changes the lives of those employees that overcome the barriers associated with attaining their degree,” Hawkins said.
Evening classes will be held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the TSUS Polk County Center. LSCO will assist students with completing FAFSA and applying for financial aid and scholarships.
The Educational Aide Exemption (EAE) Program encourages educational aides to complete full teacher certification. Recipients are exempt from the payment of tuition and certain mandatory fees at LSCO and SHSU if they meet these eligibility requirements set forth by the Texas Administrative Code.
More information about the Educational Aide Exemption can be found at http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/financialaid/tofa2.cfm?ID=572.
LSCO’s teacher preparation program is available to all who are interested, even individuals who are not paraprofessionals. For more information about any courses offered at the TSUS Polk County Center, please visit https://pcc.tsus.edu/, call 936-268-3048, or email advising@lsco.edu.
Registration for the Spring 2025 semester is currently available and classes will start Jan. 21, 2025. TSUS Polk County Center is located at 1015 US 59 Loop North in Livingston.
