ASU, Alamo Colleges Launch Program to Help Teacher’s Aides Become Certified Teachers

SAN ANGELO, TX -- Angelo State University and the Alamo Colleges District today announced a new partnership to help paraprofessionals working in Texas public elementary schools take the next step toward becoming certified classroom teachers.

The Texas 2-Step Teacher Certification Program provides working paraprofessionals with a flexible pathway to earn a bachelor's degree and teacher certification while continuing to work in their schools.

The program provides paraprofessionals with the opportunity to complete their B.S. in Education, Early Childhood to Grade 6 Generalist, Teacher Certification, or B.S. in Education, Early Childhood to Grade 6 Generalist and Special Education EC-12, Teacher Certification online while continuing to work in a Texas elementary public school. Students will be provided with the foundational coursework and intensive field experience to become classroom-ready teachers.

Coursework through Angelo State University is offered 100% online, allowing participants to continue working while completing the academic coursework and field experiences needed to become classroom-ready teachers.

The partnership comes as Texas continues to face a significant teacher shortage. More than 40,000 new teachers are needed each year to replace educators leaving the profession, while uncertified teachers now account for approximately one in three newly hired public school educators statewide.

"At the Alamo Colleges District, we believe some of our future teachers are already in our schools, working alongside students and making a difference every day," said Dr. Mike Flores, Alamo Colleges District Chancellor. "Through this partnership with Angelo State University, we are creating a pathway for paraprofessionals to build on that experience, earn their bachelor's degree and teacher certification, and continue serving their communities along the way. This is how we remove barriers to education while helping strengthen the teacher workforce our students and our state need."

"Angelo State has a long tradition of establishing programs that help address the workforce needs of our region and the state," said ASU President Ronnie Hawkins. "The Texas 2-Step program is a perfect example, as there is a great need for qualified and certified teachers throughout Texas. We are proud to join with the Alamo Colleges District to further expand both of our efforts in addressing that shortfall through this innovative program that gives students a way to access higher education that was previously unavailable to them. This partnership also advances our mutual mission of producing graduates who are prepared to be impactful in their careers and their communities."

The Texas 2-Step program is designed for paraprofessionals who already bring valuable classroom experience and an understanding of the students, families and communities they serve. By allowing participants to remain employed while completing their degree and certification requirements, the program addresses one of the challenges working adults can face when pursuing a college degree.

The partnership also builds on the Alamo Colleges District's commitment to expanding educational pathways and creating opportunities that lead to family-supporting careers while meeting critical workforce needs throughout the region and state.

For Angelo State University, Texas 2-Step builds on the university's longstanding work preparing educators for Texas classrooms. Students will complete high-quality online coursework along with intensive field experiences designed to prepare them to transition from supporting students as paraprofessionals to leading classrooms as certified teachers.

The partnership reflects both institutions' shared commitment to increasing access to higher education and strengthening the pipeline of well-prepared teachers serving Texas students.