TVCC Launches New Program to Combat Teacher Shortage
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By Shaydi Clary/TVCC Communications Specialist
This year 41,920 teacher positions went unfilled in the U.S., according to the Learning Policy Institute. However, the lack of certified teachers doesn’t mean a lack of people interested.
"The shortage of qualified teachers is alarming,” Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) Chair of Public Services and Professor of Education Suzette Stringer shared. "Our children deserve dedicated, prepared educators who are ready to make a difference. TVCC aims to provide that."
TVCC is proud to announce the launch of its Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Education, aimed at addressing the critical shortage of early childhood educators.
"We pursued this program to support our local school districts," shared TVCC President Dr. Jason Morrison. "We recognize the challenges they face in recruiting and retaining teachers, and we believe TVCC can help bridge that gap."
Since unveiling the program, Dr. Morrison has received enthusiastic feedback from both current students and local school districts. Vice President of Instruction Dr. Spencer Wagley highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, "This opportunity not only benefits our students but also strengthens local districts struggling with teacher shortages. We are committed to helping our community."
On October 10, TVCC received approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and plans are underway to seek additional approvals from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in January 2025, with a program launch planned for fall 2025.
Dr. Wagley celebrated this milestone, saying, "Securing state approval was a big step forward. Now we’re focused on obtaining SACSCOC accreditation."
The development of this program was a collaborative effort, with contributions from Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Erica Richardson, Associate Vice President of Instructional Innovation and Support Holley Collier, Language Arts Division Chair and English Professor Amy Rogers, along with Dr. Morrison, Dr. Wagley and Stringer.
Richardson expressed confidence in the program’s impact: "With the curriculum designed by Suzette, Amy, and Holley, I believe this program will truly enrich the lives of our students and the young learners they’ll teach. The program’s online format offers flexibility for paraprofessionals to advance their careers—a unique aspect compared to similar offerings."
“Some of us were teachers ourselves in the K-12 system, and we saw those paraprofessionals and teacher aids and just assistants that helped out in the schools who would’ve been great teachers, but never had the opportunity to go and get their education degree,” Wagley added. “This program with it being online provides those students with the opportunity to continue to work in their current school district, while earning their degree and their certificate.”
Once SACSCOC accreditation is granted, TVCC will seek additional guidance from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for certification in education preparation.
Dr. Morrison emphasized the transformational potential of the program: "This is about more than training teachers; it’s about shaping the lives of children during a crucial developmental stage. We have the resources, the expertise, and the passion to make this program a success."
