Shell-shocked. That is how I felt after a long-term substitute teaching assignment in Idaho Falls more than 20 years ago. I taught sixth grade, which was an experience that a few colleagues called “The Crucible.” It was a firsthand experience of the many challenges that Idaho teachers deal with annually. Working as an educator for more than 30 years has allowed me to witness the significant impact upon students’ achievement and self-esteem that a caring, attentive adult who truly knows a child can make. Having worked with numerous paraprofessionals, it is hard to overstate the qualities they bring to their roles.

Much has been written over the last few years about the teacher shortage in Idaho. “At any given moment, there are thousands of people who are certified to teach in Idaho who choose not to,” said Sen. Carrie Semmelroth, D-Boise, who is also the Strategic Initiatives Project Director for Boise State University’s College of Education.

Idaho’s 10 teacher-prep programs have produced a steady supply of around 1,200 teachers every year. “When we talk about the teacher shortage, it’s not coming from the teacher prep side,” Semmelroth said. “There’s something happening once they enter the field. (Schools are) leaking teachers faster than we can replace them.”

Idaho State University College of Education’s Paraprofessional to Certified Teacher (PaCT) Program addresses this problem in a way that tackles teacher shortages and retention. While too many educators either leave Idaho or leave teaching, PaCT develops working professionals who come from the community and are acutely aware of its needs and challenges. The participants are already invested and integrated into schools and classrooms. They earn a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification in elementary, special education, or English as a Second Language (ESL).

One notable strength of the PaCT Program is its emphasis on continuous field experience as eligible paraprofessionals work full-time in schools while completing their program, allowing them to immediately apply lessons from their courses in K–12 classrooms. The school districts involved in the PaCT Program also benefit from this structure. By supporting their paraprofessionals participation in the program, they are investing in their staff’s professional growth and development. Upon successful program completion, these paraprofessionals can become certified elementary or special education teachers, filling much-needed positions within the districts.

Affordable and practical, paraprofessionals participating in the PaCT Program pay the cost of books and certification testing fees. The program’s cost is covered by a partnership between school districts and Idaho State University’s College of Education.

In the Hybrid Online Program, paraprofessionals enroll in online synchronous (set time) courses and asynchronous (no set time) courses. This allows paraprofessionals to continue working and finish their schoolwork during a time that suits them. These flexible and accessible paraprofessionals can access their classes online, from anywhere, at any time, with both 8-week and 16-week courses.

Additionally, teachers shoulder a significant responsibility to meet the diverse needs of all students, including those from low-income backgrounds, English Language learners, and those with special needs. Even prior to the COVID pandemic, the teaching workforce was trending younger and less experienced, with a nearly 50-percent attrition rate within the first 5 years. This situation has undoubtedly intensified since then.

So, what could be better than enhancing the training and credentials of skilled professionals, who are already successfully dealing with these issues in the specific classrooms where they are most needed?

Expanding access to programs like PaCT not only addresses the immediate need for qualified teachers, but also recognizes the invaluable experience and dedication of paraprofessionals already embedded in educational settings. These individuals bring firsthand knowledge of their students’ needs and the operational dynamics of their schools, which is crucial in fostering continuity and stability in education. By supporting their transition to certified teachers, PaCT not only fills critical vacancies but also boosts morale and teacher retention within school communities.

Investing in programs like PaCT is a proactive approach to addressing systemic challenges within Idaho’s education system. It acknowledges that the issues contributing to teacher shortages are multifaceted and require targeted solutions that empower educators to thrive in their roles. By offering a flexible pathway to certification through online and practical coursework, PaCT adapts to the realities of modern education, accommodating the diverse circumstances and schedules of aspiring teachers. This adaptability not only attracts new talent, but also demonstrates a commitment to nurturing a sustainable teaching workforce equipped to meet the evolving needs of Idaho’s students.

Paraprofessionals identified attributes such as patience, open-mindedness, and positivity along with being principled, honest, flexible, collaborative, and good communicators. All these qualities were commonly found in the experiences shared throughout discussions, as well as the willingness to learn from each other, ask questions, and identify more effective strategies for teaching and scaffolding student learning and behavior. Teaching assistants have gained my utmost respect due to their supportive and caring nature and the cultural and linguistic insights that they provide to classroom teachers. The invaluable time and effort they invest to get to know students brings the importance of relationships further into focus.

The PaCT Program is starting its third cohort and has impacted 15 school districts across the state from Wendall to Idaho Falls with the majority being rural districts. First cohort began fall 2022, PaCT students are on track to graduate either fall 2025 or spring 2026.

In busy classrooms, paraprofessionals build relationships with children, often in one-to-one or small-group contexts, which enable them to really “get to know” a student and provide students individualized attention and support. Programs like PaCT embody a holistic strategy to bolster Idaho’s educational landscape. They not only provide a lifeline for current paraprofessionals seeking career advancement, but also serve as a beacon of hope for the educational future in the state. By bridging the gap between classroom experience and formal certification, PaCT helps ensure that Idaho’s schools are staffed. These resolute professionals are not only prepared but also deeply invested in the success and well-being of every student they serve.

To learn more about the Idaho State University College of Education’s PaCT program, please visit isu.edu/pact