A Redbud Elementary educational assistant has been selected to participate in Project ADAPT (Accelerated Development of Aides into Professional Teachers), an innovative teacher certification pathway funded by a $2.74 million U.S. Department of Education grant awarded to Texas State University.
Through this program, Round Rock ISD’s Velma Valle, along with other participants, will receive mentoring, scholarships and hands-on classroom experience while completing university coursework focused on bilingual and English as a Second Language instruction.
Principal Kim Connally said the recognition was well deserved.
“Velma is just a super impressive person,” said Connally. “It’s not the easiest job in the world, but she’s amazing at it, and to know that she’s taking 15 hours while still being an amazing educational assistant on our campus… I’m super proud of her initiative, dedication and drive to fulfill what she’s always wanted to do.”
By transitioning aides already working in schools into full-time certified teachers, the program aims to strengthen the educator pipeline and expand equitable, high-quality educational opportunities for all students.
Valle said she is grateful for the opportunity to grow professionally while continuing to make a positive impact on students.
“I come from a medical background, but once I started working at this school in this classroom, I loved what I did,” she said.
She said finding her love for teaching special education is what made her decide to apply for the grant.
“I’m very grateful that I was selected to receive this grant. It’s taken one stress out of going back to school,” said Valle.
She said she can’t wait to have her own classroom one day.
Round Rock ISD wishes her the best of luck as she continues to pursue her dreams.