Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas – Individuals interested in working in local K-12 schools can now gain the training and classroom experience needed to become a qualified substitute teacher through South Texas College’s (STC) substitute teacher courses at the Starr County Campus.
The 12-hour course is designed to prepare participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to manage a classroom, support instruction, ensure student safety and understand the legal and ethical responsibilities of serving as a substitute teacher.
“Providing this training at the Starr County Campus gives community members an opportunity to gain valuable skills and explore a career in education without having to travel far from home,” said English faculty member and course instructor Johanna Rios. “We want students to leave the course with more than a certificate. We want them to feel confident stepping into a classroom and to have a better understanding of whether education is the right path for them.”
The course is open to individuals who have earned a high school or GED diploma and can speak and write in English. No previous teaching experience is required.
The courses cost $84 and will be offered Sept. 12-13 and Oct. 24-25, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
In addition to classroom instruction, participants must observe three classes at a K-12 campus. Students have two weeks to complete their observations and submit the required forms.
The training is designed to help address the need for qualified and reliable substitute teachers in the region while creating a local employment opportunity for community members.
“Substitute teachers play an important role in keeping schools moving forward when regular teachers are away,” she said. “By preparing more qualified individuals to step into the classroom, we can help support local schools while giving community members an opportunity to gain meaningful experience working with students.”
This new course at the college’s Starr County Campus is making continuing education and professional development more accessible to residents in the area while helping address workforce needs in local schools.
“This is an opportunity to connect people who want to work with students with schools that need dependable classroom support,” she said. “We hope the program not only helps fill an important need in our schools but also inspires participants to discover a passion for education and consider where that experience could take them next.”
Information source: STC
