Teacher stands in front of classroom, facing camera, with arms folded. She is smiling and her students are sitting in desks behind her.

$30,000 Grant Boosts Online Teacher Certification Program at ETAMU

East Texas A&M’s innovative answer to the Texas teacher shortage garners support from the Texas Pioneer Foundation.

A $30,000 grant from the Texas Pioneer Foundation is giving a major boost to East Texas A&M University's Pride Pathway program—an innovative online teacher certification program that's opening doors for future educators and addressing the teacher shortage in Texas.

An Innovative Pathway for Working Adults

Pride Pathway is a fully online, competency-based, alternative teacher certification program tailored to meet the needs of working adults, particularly paraprofessionals already employed in school districts. For many, this flexible program offers a rare chance to obtain teacher certification without putting their careers on hold.

It addresses the Texas teacher shortage by creating accessible pathways into the profession. Through the program, students may obtain a bachelor's degree and/or pursue alternative certification and optionally apply alternative certification hours toward a master's degree.

Pride Pathway's unique design makes it accessible to a wide range of aspiring educators. The program is:

  • Fully online and flexibly paced
  • Competency-based
  • Affordable and flexible for full-time workers
  • Stackable, with up to 18 credit hours applicable to a master's degree in education
Person is smiling and looking at laptop. A toddler is sitting on the kitchen counter beside her laptop. He is looking at the computer and smiling.
Students take flexible online classes through Pride Pathway. | East Texas A&M Marketing and Communications

“To meet the future needs of Texas, we must innovate,” said Dr. April Sanders, dean of the College of Innovation and Design. “Becoming a teacher is not easy, but initiatives like Pride Pathway help pave the way for more teachers for Texas.”

The Pride Pathway program partners with more than 20 independent school districts across the state, creating a strong and growing pipeline of qualified educators.

Grant Reduces Barriers to Becoming a Certified Teacher in Texas

The Texas Pioneer Foundation grant directly supports students enrolled in the alternative certification portion of Pride Pathway, helping cover critical expenses including:

  • Certification exam costs
  • Application fees
  • Fingerprinting costs

According to Sanders, many paraprofessionals have the desire and ability to become classroom teachers, and financial support helps make this dream a reality.

“By eliminating these hurdles, we can ensure that capable and passionate individuals are not excluded from the teaching profession due to financial constraints,” Sanders said.

Texas Pioneer Foundation Invests in Rural Education Solutions

Texas Pioneer Foundation is a private, nonprofit, independent foundation whose mission is to provide support that will improve the overall quality and results of education in Texas. Michelle Coburn, executive director of the foundation, said the Pride Pathway program stands out because it offers a practical solution to the Texas teacher shortage, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

“East Texas A&M is a perfect fit for what we are looking to do,” Coburn said. “ It checked all the boxes: rural focus, high impact and innovative.”

The foundation hopes the grant will drive enrollment in and completion of Pride Pathway, increase the number of certified teachers in Texas classrooms, and inspire similar programs statewide.

“We are grateful for the Texas Pioneer Foundation's longstanding commitment to educational excellence and their partnership in advancing Pride Pathway,” Sanders said.

Teacher leans forward and faces student at student's desk. Student has a pencil in hand and is working from a workbook.
Pride Pathway is customized for paraprofessionals already employed in school districts. | Adobe Stock

A Model for Alternative Teacher Preparation Nationwide

As the national conversation grows around teacher shortages, Pride Pathway reflects a broader momentum behind alternative teacher certification programs. Its unique structure could serve as a model for other programs across the country.

“I hope that others are paying attention and are looking at how East Texas A&M is doing it,” Coburn said.

For East Texas A&M and the future educators it serves, the partnership with the Texas Pioneer Foundation is about more than just funding—it's about breaking down barriers and transforming lives. Through initiatives like Pride Pathway, the university is helping shape the future of Texas education, one teacher at a time.

Learn More

Details on how to apply for the grant funds are still being finalized. In the meantime, students with questions may contact [email protected] or visit Pride Pathway to learn more about the program.

Featured Photo: Adobe Stock