New grant supports TWU students working in LISD

April 5, 2022 — DENTON — Trevor Collie, a special education paraprofessional at Prairie Trail Elementary in Flower Mound, appreciates the opportunities he has to build relationships with his students, see them overcome challenges, accomplish goals and reach milestones. Faculty from TWU’s Teacher Education Department and the Educator Preparation Program felt the same way when they celebrated Collie and three others who work in the Lewisville Independent School District.

Collie, Jenny Dean, Elizabeth Par and Sarah Reyes received Texas COVID Learning Acceleration Supports (TCLAS) grants to help pay for their education at TWU. The TCLAS funds are available for school districts in Texas, and Lewisville ISD awarded grants to six paraprofessionals across the school district — four of whom were Pioneers.

“I was shocked when I found out about the grant. I still can't believe it,” said Par, a paraprofessional at Lewisville High School. Recently graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from TWU, Par is currently pursuing a M.Ed. in Teaching, Leadership, and Collaboration.

The TCLAS grants Lewisville ISD awarded to TWU undergraduate students were for $16,000 each and one for a graduate student totals $7,500.

Reyes, who is pursuing a B.S. in Education (EC-6) with English as a Second Language (ESL), said the grant provides her flexibility and the opportunity to completely eliminate a second job she currently holds in order to focus more on studying.

Dean is currently pursuing her B.S. in Education, focusing on early childhood through sixth grade and special education — another of 12 different tracks in the B.S. in Education at TWU. She said her time at TWU has already prepared her to be an educator.

“I’ve received a well-rounded education at TWU that has prepared me to be an exceptional teacher. My favorite thing was learning different strategies for working with special needs students,” Dean said. “I also appreciate how so many classes are offered online because I work full time at Flower Mound High School.”

Reyes and Collie, who is studying EC-6 with special education, agreed that a completely online program offers great benefits. Reyes marvels at how she can apply everything she learns in class at her job.

“It is incredibly fascinating to see my homework come to life every day at my job,” Reyes said.

Collie said that the online program allows him to carry a full-time load of quality courses while working.

“The educator preparation program here at TWU is simply top notch. The classes, professors, advisors, and administrative staff have all been extremely supportive and informational in my time as a Pioneer,” Collie said. “I have learned so many things that will help me be a truly amazing educator.”

Photos provided by Lewisville ISD

Page last updated 4:03 PM, April 5, 2022