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The nationwide teacher shortage has left many schools understaffed and struggling to find qualified educators. Thankfully, there’s an untapped resource that could solve this dilemma—paraprofessionals.

During the edLeader Panel “From Classroom Aide to Certified Teacher: How You Can Build a Sustainable Teacher Pipeline,” Christie Volmer, Deputy Superintendent of Hereford Independent School District (TX), Dr. LaChristy Reed, Chief Academic Officer of Gracelyn University, and Dr. Matthew Flippen, President of Gracelyn University, shared their insights on building a pipeline for paraprofessionals to become certified teachers.

Approximately 90% of paraprofessionals want to become teachers, which would more than solve the shortage, but there are barriers, with the biggest being money and time. Paraprofessionals already work a full-time job for little pay, and many have familial responsibilities; they often cannot afford to further their education, nor do they have the time to do so. Additionally, paraprofessionals might even lack the confidence to pursue a teaching certification.

Solving this problem is a team effort that requires district support, the right university partners, and a clear path for paraprofessionals looking to become teachers. Many school districts have implemented “Grow Your Own” (GYO) programs to work with universities to help paraprofessionals become teachers, but those programs are limited by budgets.

Also, districts must communicate that those programs exist, as many staff members don’t realize their districts even have them. Furthermore, some universities don’t include certification as part of GYO programs, meaning paraprofessionals need to pursue additional programs, costing them more money.

The ideal GYO program addresses all of those issues and has several key criteria. The program must:

• Be free for the district
• Be affordable for the student
• Have integrated teacher certification
• Be fully asynchronous online with adaptable course scheduling so students can pursue an education on their schedule
• Provide financial incentives
• Provide encouragement
• Include mentorship and coaching (have instructors who are either current or former educators!)
• Be applicable to the modern classroom
• Have a roll-out plan led by the partner universities
• Have program participants nominated by leadership

In districts with GYO programs, only about 2-3% of paraprofessionals participate. Participation can be expanded by making programs affordable and accessible so districts retain the employees who go through the program. Additionally, universities offering asynchronous, online programs means paraprofessionals can enroll without it negatively impacting their jobs or families.

Crucial elements of good programs are support and encouragement. One of the biggest barriers between paraprofessionals and programs is self-doubt. When leadership encourages and even nominates paraprofessionals for the program, it makes them believe in themselves and want to pursue their dreams of teaching.

An ideal GYO program should cover teaching strategy, content, and skills that are relevant and practical and can be immediately used in classrooms. This includes content such as classroom management, the Science of Reading, special education, and the use of technology in classrooms. When programs have real-world applications, the content sticks with learners.

Hereford ISD currently has 60 paraprofessionals enrolled in GYO programs, which began by asking Gracelyn University to speak to their staff about becoming teachers. At first, only 13 people enrolled, but the next time Gracelyn came, more people attended, and each time after that, the number of attendees grew.

It’s been affordable for the district, and they have been able to reimburse the paraprofessionals who enroll. As those paraprofessionals already work there, they’re more inclined to stay, giving the district more teachers. As of now, Hereford ISD is set to have an abundance of certified teachers.

While the teacher shortage is concerning, districts can address the issue with GYO programs. Paraprofessionals are already in schools and want to become teachers. With the right support and opportunities, there will be more than enough motivated, certified teachers to help districts thrive.

Learn more about this edWeb broadcast, From Classroom Aide to Certified Teacher: How You Can Build a Sustainable Teacher Pipeline, sponsored by Gracelyn University.

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Gracelyn University is an accredited, fully online institution preparing compassionate, qualified educators to serve in schools and communities across the country. Founded with a mission to ensure every child reaches their God-given potential, Gracelyn specializes in empowering paraprofessionals and support staff to become certified teachers—without debt, disruption, or relocation. With programs built around the realities of working adults, Gracelyn offers affordable tuition, asynchronous coursework, and integrated certification pathways aligned to district needs. Our Grow Your Own (GYO) model has been recognized for helping school systems fill teacher vacancies by developing the talent they already have. Through strong partnerships with K–12 districts and a commitment to scalable, mission-driven innovation, Gracelyn is transforming teacher preparation—and helping leaders build a stable, homegrown educator workforce. Learn more at www.gracelyn.edu.

Article by Jon Scanlon, based on this edLeader Panel