University of Texas at San Antonio Supports Future Teachers

News Summary

In San Antonio, the University of Texas at San Antonio is leading an initiative to assist paraprofessionals in transitioning to teaching roles. Spearheaded by the Academy for Teacher Excellence Research Center, the program aims to address barriers faced by these individuals. The initiative responds to Texas’s growing need for bilingual teachers, especially significant given the rise in emergent bilingual students in public schools. Through a competitive grant and innovative training programs, UTSA seeks to create a robust pipeline of qualified educators prepared to meet diverse classroom needs.

San Antonio Takes Steps to Support Future Teachers

In the vibrant city of San Antonio, a buzzing initiative is geared up to smooth the path for paraprofessionals aiming to transition into teaching. At the renowned University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), Belinda Bustos Flores and Lorena Claeys lead the charge from the Academy for Teacher Excellence Research Center. They’re addressing some really crucial barriers that many paraprofessionals face while trying to earn those coveted degrees and teaching credentials.

Why This Initiative Matters

Let’s talk facts: the United States, and especially Texas, is grappling with a significant teacher shortage. This issue is particularly pressing for bilingual teachers, as there’s a pressing demand to cater to our diverse student population. Did you know that nearly one in four public school students in Texas is an emergent bilingual? For sure, this is a need we can’t ignore!

School districts are stepping up to the plate with more dual-language bilingual education programs, which not only benefit those learning English but also enrich those for whom English is their primary language. Meanwhile, UTSA is all in when it comes to prepping bilingual education teachers who can meet the needs of local school districts. The university is now casting a wide net for prospective teachers from all walks of life, including traditional high school kids, community college transfers, and yes, you guessed it—paraprofessionals!

The Challenge for Paraprofessionals

The situation is this: in 2021 alone, over 1.1 million bilingual and ESL students were enrolled in Texas public schools. Northside Independent School District has seen a jump in bilingual students, rising from about 10,500 to 13,500 over the past four years. Despite these numbers, a staggering 14 out of 20 educational service regions in Texas do not have enough bilingual teachers to meet the needs of these emergent students. This is where paraprofessionals—who often hold invaluable classroom experience—come into play.

Many of these individuals are eager to make the leap from paraprofessional to teacher, but they face a multitude of challenges. Responsibilities at home and the rising costs of education can stand in the way. But fret not, for UTSA has a plan that is about to change the game!

The Path Forward

UTSA is in the process of securing a competitive grant to create a special pathway for paraprofessionals on their journey to earning degrees and teaching credentials. This initiative isn’t just about getting a degree; it’s about diving into real-world classroom experiences through the Signature Teacher Residency Model. Not only that, but the program also pays close attention to meeting the academic, financial, and social-emotional needs of participants.

With ongoing college and career guidance, professional learning sessions, and accessible resources (including a treasure trove of textbooks), UTSA’s initiative aims to transform the professional lives of local paraprofessionals. The ultimate goal? To create a well-stocked pool of qualified bilingual teachers ready to step into the classroom.

A Community Gathering for Bilingual Education

400 participants—including educators, parents, and community volunteers. This conference is more than just a gathering; it’s a movement to advance bilingual education and foster a community that advocates for the needs of emergent bilingual students.

With themes like “Bridging Cultures, Empowering Minds,” the conference celebrated progress while inspiring future educators. The importance of professional development and networking shined through as various speakers and awardees were recognized for their contributions to the field.

Conclusion

As San Antonio and UTSA work to pave the way for future bilingual educators, we are reminded of the strength and commitment of those already in the classroom. It’s about creating a qualified workforce that can meet community needs and make a significant difference in the lives of countless students. This new initiative holds the promise of a brighter, more inclusive future for education in Texas!

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Additional Resources

• Express News: Bilingual Teaching at UTSA
• Laredo Morning Times: TAMIU Bilingual Conference
• ABC13: Texas Board of Education Vote
• Wikipedia: Bilingual Education
• KVUE: Texas School Crisis and Teacher Burnout
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Teacher Education