Texas Border Business
McALLEN, Texas – Region One Education Service Center and South Texas College (STC) are partnering to expand and strengthen the teacher certification pipeline in the Region, collaborating to support students in completing a bachelor’s degree and Region One ESC’s Teacher Alternative Certification Program.
Ali Esmaeili, STC dean of Math, Science, Information Technology and Bachelor Programs, said through this collaboration, STC and Region One are creating pathways for STC grads that are interested in pursuing teaching.
“This is our dynamic approach to finding a solution to the teacher shortage many schools in the region and statewide are facing,” said Esmaeili. “At STC, we always respond to the needs of our community, and this new pathway with Region One is vital to our education system and connecting our graduates to successful teaching careers.”
Through this partnership, the college will identify students interested in becoming certified educators with more than 48 college hours, from one of STC’s five bachelor’s programs, and develop a graduation plan to help them continue to and complete the teacher certification program. Region One may refer potential candidates to STC’s bachelor’s programs when aligned with participant needs and goals.
“We believe that a quality educator builds a quality community,” said Marissa Falcon, Region One ESC administrator for Educator Preparation & Development. “This partnership with South Texas College strengthens the pathway for aspiring teachers to complete their degree and enter the classroom fully prepared to serve students with high caliber instruction.”
Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., STC president, said Region One is a great partner that can connect STC graduates to numerous opportunities, and this teaching certification pathway is a testament to the shared commitment in education.
“We are excited and honored to be working with Region One on this initiative that expands access to teacher certification pathways,” said Solis. “We are helping to prepare the next generation of educators who will make a lasting impact in the classrooms they serve across the RGV and beyond. This also directly supports our regional workforce by creating a pipeline of teachers prepared to meet school district needs.”
To learn more about STC’s bachelor’s programs, visit www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/bachelors/.
Those interested in becoming certified educators may visit www.esc1.net/teachercert to learn more about Region One ESC’s Teacher Alternative Certification Program, certification pathways and eligibility requirements.
Information source: STC
