Region One Education Service Center to Help Certify 25 Educators with $119,000 Award

MCALLEN, TX – Region One Education Service Center (Region One) was awarded $119,000 from the Rio-South Texas Education and Community Development Foundation to help strengthen the teacher workforce in the eight-county service area. With these funds, Region One’s Educator Preparation & Development Program will help certify 25 individuals in grades 7-12 science and math at no cost to participants.

According to Marissa Falcon, program Administrator, the Educator Preparation & Development Program will work with school systems to support bachelor-degreed employees and paraprofessionals wanting to earn their teaching certification in math or science.

“We will work with school systems to initiate a “Grow Your Own” model, supporting paraprofessionals and teachers on their journey to certification,” Falcon said. “Through our Educator Preparation & Development Program, staff have the opportunity to be a teacher of record and begin an internship after meeting criteria within four months.”

Candidates will receive expanded training and benefit from mentorships at participating school systems during their first year working toward certification.

“This support ensures that teachers enter the classroom well-prepared from day one,” she said. “We intend to meet school systems where they are at and beyond, providing a premier experience and quality preparation for future success. We hold strong to the idea that the single most important indicator of student success is the quality of classroom teacher, and it begins with certification. Join us by investing in your staff.”

For more information, interested individuals can call the Region One Education Preparation & Development Program at (956) 984-6036 or submit an interest form at www.esc1.net/eppinterest.