Paraprofessional forum gives employees new development opportunities
HISD paraprofessionals listen to presentation about the Effective Teacher Fellowship, the district’s alternative certification program. The session was part of a development forum designed to build upon paraprofessionals’ existing skills.
About 150 employees from around the district attended the inaugural Paraprofessional Development Forum on Jan. 28, designed specifically to help employees build upon their existing skills and learn about ways to further their careers in HISD.
The event, held at the University of Phoenix’s Houston campus, gave paraprofessionals the opportunity to learn more about how to become a teacher at HISD, the district’s technology initiatives, and what future development opportunities the district offers.
In addition to the development seminars offered on Wednesday, the event also served as the kickoff of a new partnership between the University of Phoenix and HISD. District employees will receive a 10-percent discount on tuition, and the University of Phoenix also will offer scholarships for some employees.
Camille Heid, a teaching assistant at Red Elementary, and Lizzette Serrano, a lecturer at J.P. Henderson Elementary, both said they were happy HISD is investing in paraprofessionals’ development.
“As a paraprofessional, we don’t always get the kind of training that teachers get,” Heid said. “I hope they offer more training opportunities. I want to feel like I’m part of HISD, and I want to be more educated.”
Serrano also said she learned valuable skills that she can take back to her campus and share with her peers. And, if she’s not able to attend future events, she hopes her colleagues can do the same for her.
“It shows us that the district cares and wants you to be the best you can be,” Serrano said. “When you are your best, the district excels.”
Wednesday’s forum was the first in a series the Onboarding and Organizational Development department has planned. Patra Brannon, general manager of Talent Acquisition, said her team will gather feedback from Wednesday’s participants to help shape future events.
“HISD values all of its employees, and it’s important we offer these types of development opportunities to our paraprofessionals,” Brannon said. “The work they do can positively impact student achievement, so it makes sense to grow their skills and careers so they can advance within the district.”
For additional information about the University of Phoenix partnership with HISD, click here.
