Teacher Pipeline Program Transforms Paraprofessionals into Certified Educators

KILLEEN, Texas – Nearly 11% of teachers in Texas classrooms were not certified during the 2023-2024 school year. This translates to about 39,000 educators teaching without full credentials. To address this issue, Killeen Independent School District (KISD) has launched a program called ‘KISD Teach’, aimed at helping paraprofessionals become fully certified teachers.

McKenzie Genovese, one of the first graduates from the program, shared her inspiring journey from paraprofessional to teacher. “I’ve been in education for eight years,” she said. Now, she is leading her own classroom after earning her bachelor’s degree and teaching certification through ‘KISD Teach’.

Karen Rudolph, KISD’s communications director, expressed the program’s goals. “We believe the best way to build strong schools and a strong district is to invest in the people that have already shown a commitment to our schools and our kids,” she said.

To celebrate Genovese’s graduation, her classroom was transformed into a festive space filled with glow sticks and a dance party. Genovese commented on how much her students enjoyed witnessing her educational journey. “They really enjoyed the whole experience of watching their teacher go to school like they do,” she said.

She emphasized the importance of continuous learning, stating, “It’s been a blessing, because it has taken me so long to get here and finally being here, doing what I love. It just makes it a blessing in all.”

Genovese highlighted her impact as a teacher, noting that her students advanced more than a year and a half in core subjects under her guidance. Her story is a testament to the powerful impact that passion and dedication can have in the classroom.