Hill Country educational instutitions partnering to provide teacher program

Texas Tech University, Austin Community College and Central Texas College are partnering to deliver an undergraduate degree with preparation for elementary teacher certification to residents of the Hill Country.

Anyone who seeks to become a certified elementary teacher can now earn a complete undergraduate degree in teaching with a new 2+2 program, Hill Country Project Teach.

Students attend Teas Tech University at Fredericksburg, Highland Lakes or the Center at Junction.

The program is designed for recent high school graduates as well as working adults. School paraprofessionals can earn the degree while they work and may qualify for free tuition and fees through the State Education Aide Exemption.

With this degree, a student can earn a generalist certification to teach Early Childhood through sixth grade, as well as English as a Second Language certification preparation.

Proficient Spanish-speaking students can take additional coursework to earn bilingual certification.

This new degree is part of an initiative of Project TEACH, a grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education, which provides financial aid for the ESL and bilingual courses.

Texas Tech will admit students who have completed 45 hours of core curriculum and meet GPA requirements into its first cohort beginning in August. Students who have fewer than 45 hours can start working at ACC or CTC to complete an associate of arts in teaching degree, then transfer to Texas Tech to complete the degree.

Courses will include a blended delivery of face-toface, interactive video conferencing, and online with ample opportunity for students to gain actual classroom experiences.

Informational sessions on Project TEACH and financial aid workshops will be offered at Fredericksburg High School Library Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., respectively. A session also will be held at Texas Tech Highland Lakes Feb. 25 at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.

All potential students, paraprofessionals and parents are invited to attend. For information, phone (830) 997-2717; (830) 798-9548; or (325) 446- 2301.