LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Alex Meyer,

(Laredo, Texas)-Congratulations to United South High School Panther graduate , Ms. Dora Gutierrez. She is the 1st recipient to earn Texas Education Agency’s Educational Aide I Certificate at United ISD. She participated in the Education and Training Program of Study while attending United South high school under the direction of Mrs. Laurie Rodriguez, Principal, Mrs. Adriana Ramirez and CTE Administrator, Mr. Robert Burrier. Dora’s career goal is to become a teacher and the United ISD Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program of Study has afforded her this opportunity.

Associate Superintendent of Human Resources, David Garcia, stated in contentment, “this certificate is a stepping stone where dreams are realized and opens many doors for employment and greater horizons.”

Dora has also earned immediate stepping-stone employment opportunities at United ISD. In addition, she qualifies for volunteer opportunities and contact hours that may be applied to the 720 contact hours needed for consideration of employment as an Educational Aide Paraprofessional who meets the State ESSA Title I requirements.

Dora earned 160 hours in the Education and Training Program of Study which may apply to this State ESSA goal. She is excited to have immediate volunteer and employment opportunities available at United ISD and loves that as a recent graduate, she is able to capitalize. CTE Director, Ms. Angelica Sanchez, said it best.

“United ISD’s CTE Department’s goal is for all CTE teachers to prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary for industry certifications and credentials. Dora’s certification is proof of that.”

In addition, seven additional United South High School CTE students completed the Education and Training Programs of Study and have met all the requirements for this certification. USHS Senior Graduates include Amy Lee Campos, Eunice Castillo, Daisy Ibarra, Vanessa Macias, Jose Martinez, Airam Flores, and Aliyah Prado. Ms. Gutierrez and these USHS Graduates have fulfilled this process and are the benefactors. Ms. Diebbie Wieland with TEA posits, “it’s so exciting when I hear about a new initiative coming to fruition”.

In April 2020, the State Board of Education approved the amendment to the Educational Aide I certificate rules which became effective on May 24, 2020. The amendment allows high school students, 18 years of age, to earn this certificate after completing education and training courses stated in 19 TAC Chapter 230.55. United ISD offers these courses in the Education and Training Program of Study at all four high schools. Despite the COVID challenges, United ISD worked feverishly to make this opportunity available to graduating seniors.

Thanks to the continuous insight of TEA’s, Ms. Debbie Wieland, in collaboration and support from Associate Superintendent of Human Resources, Mr. David Garcia, Human Resources Certification Coordinator, Ms. Carla Rivera, USHS teacher, Mrs. Laurie Rodriguez, CTE Director, Mrs. Angelica Sanchez, and CTE Business and Community Partnerships Coordinator, Dr. Diana Ortiz, this moment was realized.