From Classroom Aide to Certified Teacher: How You Can Build a Sustainable Teacher Pipeline

About the Presenters

Christie Volmer is a highly experienced and dedicated educator with a 32-year career in the field of education. Her extensive background spans both direct classroom instruction and administrative roles in human resources as well as her current position as Deputy Superintendent at Hereford ISD. Christie began her journey in education as a classroom teacher, a role she passionately fulfilled for 15 years. This foundational experience provided her with invaluable insights into the daily realities of teaching, student needs, and the dynamics of school communities.

Transitioning from the classroom, Christie dedicated the subsequent 17 years of her career to human resources within the education sector. In this capacity, she played a critical role in supporting staff, managing talent, and ensuring the smooth operation of school districts from an HR perspective. Her expertise in this area is a significant asset, demonstrating her comprehensive understanding of the people-centric nature of education. In her current leadership role, she undoubtedly leverages her vast experience as both a teacher and an HR professional to contribute to the strategic vision, operational efficiency, and overall success of the district. Her long tenure in education reflects a deep commitment to student learning and the professional development of educators.

Dr. LaChristy Reed is the Chief Academic Officer at Gracelyn University and a seasoned leader in both K–12 and higher education. A proud first-generation college graduate, she holds a Ph.D. in leadership in higher education, an MPA, and multiple educational certifications. Her career spans impactful roles as a teacher, administrator, and evaluator, always centered on student success and access. Dr. Reed is certified in TEFL/TESOL, enrollment management, educational effectiveness, and mental health coaching, and serves as a DEAC evaluator and compliance officer. She is currently completing certification in Trauma-Informed Care and Coaching. Her deep, personal commitment to supporting underserved learners, along with her diverse qualifications, makes her a powerful advocate for inclusive, transformative education.

Dr. Matthew Flippen is the founder and President of Gracelyn University, an accredited online institution committed to preparing exceptional educators. With a deep belief that every child deserves a great teacher, Dr. Flippen founded Gracelyn to remove barriers to teacher certification and equip paraprofessionals and support staff to step confidently into the classroom. He holds a doctorate in transformational leadership from Bakke Graduate University, an MBA from Cornell University, and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University. Throughout his career in education leadership, Dr. Flippen has focused on building scalable models that make high-quality education accessible to those already serving in schools. Under his guidance, Gracelyn is pioneering innovative, affordable pathways for aspiring teachers across the country and around the world, empowering them to serve with excellence and compassion.