Workshop Aims to Ease Career Transitions for Instructional Aides

Having a degree in education can expand career opportunities for anyone interested in working with children. But what if one is already working as an instructional aide?

Texas A&M International University's College of Education, along with the American Association of University Women - Laredo Branch, TAMIU's Office of Financial Aid and Laredo Community College, will host a "Transitions Workshop" to address the problems and solutions of going back to school. The workshop will be held Thursday, November 21 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the TAMIU Western Hemispheric Trade Center, room 111. This event is free and open to the public.

Topics will include Project Rio, Project Alianza, Teach for Texas, financial assistance, enhancement scholarships, teacher stipends and more.

Dr. Rosa Maria Vida, dean of TAMIU's College of Education, said the workshop would be an excellent investment of time for instructional aides wishing to meet the "No Child Left Behind" directives and assist them in obtaining their teaching credentials.

"There are many ways that people currently employed in the local school systems can improve their career opportunities. We're very pleased to offer this workshop and provide a great deal of information to instructional aides on obtaining a teaching degree. Earlier this month, we had a meeting that focused on just Project Rio, which attracted almost 200 people. In this workshop, we'll have information on a variety of programs and opportunities and I know it will be very beneficial for attendees," said Vida.

For more information, please contact Verónica Martínez at 326.2322 or Raquel Lopez at 326.2886. University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu