Paraprofessional pursues teaching dream through apprenticeship

Blanca Velazquez, a paraprofessional at Lincoln Elementary, knows she is meant to teach.

As a first-generation student, she did not have anyone in her family to guide her or to help her learn English. She was a self-proclaimed "shy student who struggled." But her confidence later grew. She was her own advocate, even as a child, while often caring for her family’s needs.

Now, she wants to be that advocate for other students.

Teacher apprenticeship opens doors

Grand Island Public Schools collaborated with Midland University to grow teachers within the district.

Midland University received a competitive grant from the Nebraska Department of Education and worked with school districts to find participants for the Teacher Apprenticeship Program. As part of the program, paraprofessionals who are already in the district can pursue their teaching degree and gain classroom experience in their school. Tuition, books and fees are paid for the program participants, lessening the burden on the future educator. Blanca is participating in this program as an apprentice teacher at Lincoln Elementary.

This program is one of the strategies GIPS is using to improve recruitment and focus on the staff already in the district.

Growing teachers from within GIPS

"The district’s collaboration with Midland University and NDE is a win for students," said Dr. Carrie Kolar, GIPS Chief of Human Capital Management. "It allows us to leverage the talent we have and fill positions with great staff who already know and love our students," Kolar said. "At the same time, we can also empower our paraprofessionals to take the next steps in their careers," she added.

Blanca said the program has opened the doors for new opportunities while strengthening her skills as she learns from teachers at GIPS. She said the encouragement and support she has received from the district and the program has been incredible. She has a clear path to employment as a teacher and has felt part of the school family.

"Every student has their story," Blanca said. "Being in the classroom everyday gives me the opportunity to learn a little bit more about them, and at the same time, I'm able to adjust to their learning," she continued. "I want to be a teacher that will help support students to keep going no matter what."

Blanca’s sights are set on becoming an English language teacher for GIPS, something she is well on her way to achieving.