VISD Creates The VISD Academy to Certify Teachers

The Victoria ISD Talent Acquisition, Support, and Retention (TASR) Office is proud to announce the creation of the VISD Academy to Certify Teachers. This innovative program was designed to build the teacher pipeline and secure the very best teachers for our community. 

The VISD Academy to Certify Teachers consists of three main components: CONNECT, BRIDGE, and UNITE. 

The CONNECT program is a pathway for VISD high school students who are seeking a career in education. Students enrolled in the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) education program have the potential to earn up to 47 dual college credit hours upon graduating from high school. Students who wish to teach in VISD may apply for the CONNECT program in their senior year of high school. A paraprofessional position is guaranteed for CONNECT participants who meet the qualifications of employment upon graduation. During their first year of employment, these paraprofessionals will enroll in a university program leading to a bachelor’s degree and Texas teacher certification. They will also complete eight Teachworthy Courses and five VISD Core Courses. After completing these courses, participants can apply for the BRIDGE program, and if accepted, apply for a Classroom Instructor position with VISD. 

The BRIDGE program is a pathway for educators who have been employed as a paraprofessional or substitute in VISD and receive a strong recommendation from their campus administrator. If accepted into the BRIDGE program, the participant will complete Capturing Kids’ Hearts as well as the eight courses administered by Teachworthy by the end of July. BRIDGE participants can then apply for a Classroom Instructor position in VISD, and if selected, they must agree to enroll in a university program leading to a bachelor’s degree and Texas teacher certification. Upon being hired as a Classroom Instructor, VISD will pay the individual 75% of a Zero-Year teacher’s salary (currently $36,150) and contribute up to $7,000 per year per participant towards their college tuition at an accredited university of their choice. Through an innovative partnership with both Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) and Teachworthy, VISD will teach up to 10 Core Classes. Students enrolled in IWU may earn up to 30 college credit hours for their participation in the VISD Core Classes. 

The UNITE program is VISD’s pathway for our employees who already have a bachelor’s degree or higher and are seeking Texas teacher certification. Participants earn 100% of a Zero-Year teacher’s salary while completing rigorous coursework administered by their self-selected alternative certification program. VISD will provide an instructional coach and mentor as well as job-embedded professional development including access to all VISD Core Courses. 

Victoria ISD is truly committed to Reaching for Genius.