The Education Program at Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC) is partnering with Region 8 Education Service Center (Region 8 ESC) to support paraprofessionals who are pursuing a pathway to becoming certified teachers through the Para to Pro initiative. Dr. Maryna Svirska Otero, the Education Program Director at NTCC, represented the college at the first Para to Pro meeting.
The Para to Pro cohort officially launched on June 11 at Region 8 ESC with a kickoff designed to help paraprofessionals understand the educational, financial, and institutional pathways available to them. Ten participants attended the event and received information and individualized guidance from representatives of Region 8 ESC, NTCC, Texas A&M University-Texarkana (TAMUT), and East Texas A&M University (ETAMU).
The kickoff addressed the general pathway to teacher certification, the Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree, financial aid opportunities for future educators, including the Educational Aide Exemption offered through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and transfer opportunities through university partnerships. Participants also had opportunities to meet directly with college and university representatives and receive guidance based on their individual educational circumstances.
Region 8 ESC works with TAMUT and ETAMU to support paraprofessionals who already hold an associate degree, while NTCC serves paraprofessionals who are working toward their associate degree. This collaborative approach helps participants identify the appropriate educational institution and pathway as they progress toward teacher certification.
Following the kickoff, the NTCC Education Program has continued to provide individualized support to cohort members. This support has included answering questions, reviewing degree audits, helping participants understand their degree requirements, and connecting them with the appropriate representatives at NTCC, Region 8 ESC, and partner universities. The goal is to remain closely connected with cohort members and guide them through each stage of their educational journey toward professional teacher certification.
Participant and presenter feedback has emphasized appreciation for the individualized guidance and support provided through the partnership. The collaboration helps make the pathway from paraprofessional to teacher more accessible by connecting aspiring educators with the information, resources, and people they need at each stage.
As part of the continued support for the cohort, Region 8 ESC and NTCC also held a follow-up event, “Earning Your AAT from Community College,” on September 9. Dr. Svirska Otero and Mrs. Sheila Eddy, Associate Director of Academic Advising, represented NTCC at the session and provided guidance about earning an Associate of Arts in Teaching degree at a community college, with two cohort members participating.
Through the Para to Pro initiative, NTCC's Education Program is helping paraprofessionals navigate the transition from classroom support roles to professional teaching careers while strengthening connections among community colleges, universities, and Region 8 ESC.