Local Agencies, School Systems Invest in Education Workforce Development

Local agencies and school districts are supporting individuals seeking teacher certification by partnering with Region One Education Service Center’s (Region One) Teacher Alternative Certification Program. Through these partnerships, Region One will prepare 25 aspiring K-12 teachers at no cost to participants.

This initiative is powered by the Rio South Texas Education & Community Development Foundation, which is working with Region One to address the need for certified educators in Texas classrooms by upskilling and removing financial hardships for individuals pursuing their teaching certification. Participating organizations are supporting candidates with program fees and other associated costs.

Partners contributing to the initiative include:

• Edcouch-Elsa ISD
• Hidalgo ISD
• McAllen ISD
• Vanguard Academy
• Pharr Economic Development Corporation
• McAllen Economic Development Corporation
• Workforce Solutions – Cameron
• Workforce Solutions – Lower Rio
• Workforce Solutions – South Texas

According to Marissa Falcon, Administrator of the Region One Educator Preparation & Development Program, the initiative is designed to help school systems implement a “Grow Your Own” model by supporting bachelor-degreed staff, as well as those currently in the classroom wishing to complete their certification with an emphasis on quality programming.

“Through our program, participants can begin their internship and potentially serve as a teacher of record within four months of meeting eligibility requirements,” Falcon said.

Candidates are paired with mentors at participating school systems throughout their first year, helping ensure a strong start in the classroom.

“This support ensures that teachers enter the classroom well-prepared from day one,” she said. “We hold strong to the belief that the most important factor in student success is the quality of the classroom teacher and it all starts with high-level preparation and certification.”

Agencies or districts interested in investing in the local education workforce may contact Region One’s Educator Preparation & Development Program at (956) 984-6036. For more information about the program, visit www.esc1.net/educatorprep.

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About Region One Education Service Center:

Region One Education Service Center (www.esc1.net) serves over 422,000 students and educators in seven South Texas counties. Region One assists school systems with enhancing student performance, operating efficiently and implementing initiatives assigned by the legislature or Commissioner of Education.