Killeen ISD is celebrating another milestone in its commitment to growing future educators from within as four employees have completed the next step in their journey through the district's KISD Teach program.
Designed to help paraprofessionals and instructional aides become certified teachers, KISD Teach provides a pathway to earning a bachelor's degree while allowing participants to continue serving students in Killeen ISD schools. The program reflects the district's commitment to investing in employees who have already demonstrated a passion for education and a dedication to student success.
"I had tried to pursue teaching on my own, but it was difficult and for a while, it felt like becoming a teacher just wasn't attainable," said Shaquira Correa Santos, KISD Graduate. "When I learned about the KISD Teach program, it gave me hope that becoming a teacher was possible again. I attended one of their informational sessions, where they explained how they would guide us through every step of the process, from enrolling in college to earning a bachelor's degree and completing an alternative certification. Since then, they have continued to support me just as they said they would."
This year's spring and summer graduates have earned a Bachelor of Science in Integrative Studies through Indiana Wesleyan University and are now one step closer to leading classrooms of their own.
The newest KISD Teach graduates are:
Kimberly Brown – Killeen Elementary School
Candice Arnett – Harker Heights Elementary School
Shaquira Correa Santos – Pershing Park Elementary School
Christine Morris – Willow Springs Elementary School (August graduate)
KISD Teach continues to play an important role in addressing the need for highly qualified teachers by creating opportunities for employees already making a difference in schools. By investing in its own workforce, Killeen ISD is strengthening the future of public education while ensuring students continue to benefit from educators who already know the district and its community.