DEGREE
COMPLETION OPPORTUNITY
The Northside ISD has been awarded a 5-Year Transition to Teaching grant by the US Department of Education. The district will collaborate with Our Lady of the Lake University for this grant project. The grant will provide financial assistance to Northside ISD paraprofessionals to complete their bachelor’s degree and teacher certification requirements in the critical need areas of bilingual education, special education, math, science and computer science. (Computer science certification is pending SBEC approval.
WHAT
IS THE PURPOSE OF THE GRANT?
The
Northside ISD, Our Lady of the Lake University, and the US Department of
Education know that some of the best teachers have begun their teaching careers
as instructional assistants. The goal of the grant is to support Northside ISD
paraprofessionals in completing their bachelor’s degrees, obtaining teacher
certification, and becoming a successful member of the Northside faculty.
HOW
DOES THE GRANT PROGRAM WORK?
For
qualifying Northside paraprofessionals, Our Lady of the Lake University will
reduce tuition by 30%. The federal government will provide an additional $5,000
in tuition support and additional funds to help buy textbooks. If needed, additional financial aid with grants and loans is available
through the Financial Aid office at Our Lady of the Lake University.
HOW
DO I QUALIFY FOR THE PROGRAM?
Successful
applicants for the degree completion program will qualify by having:
1) Obtained an overall GPA of 2.75
2) Passed the Texas Academic Skills Program (TASP) test
3) Completed 60 credit hours
4) Submitted a resume
5) Submitted a letter stating why they wish to become a
teacher
6) Demonstrated an interest in obtaining teacher
certification in one of the following critical need areas: bilingual education,
special education, math, science, or computer science
7) Completed the application process to be admitted to
Our Lady of the Lake University
WHEN
WILL I ATTEND CLASS?
Classes
will be taught after school, in the evening and on the weekends so full-time
employed paraprofessionals can attend without missing work.
HOW
SOON CAN I BEGIN?
The
grant awards will begin in January, 2003 and extend until December, 2007.
WHOM
DO I CONTACT?
Dr. Danny DeGuire or
Nancy Brann
Telephone: (210) 706-8603
Linda Tuller
Telephone: (210) 434-6711