Local Educator Pioneers Success: VISD's BRIDGE Program Celebrates Its First Graduate

Victoria Independent School District (VISD) is marking an important event with the graduation of the first participant from its BRIDGE Program. Leslie Ortiz, a science teacher at STEM Middle School, is due to graduate from Grand Canyon University on March 15, 2024. The BRIDGE Program was created to address the shortage of qualified teachers in the district. It provides a pathway for paraprofessionals and substitutes to become certified teachers. Ortiz's graduation highlights the program's effectiveness and its positive influence on educators and students.

The BRIDGE Program is not just a certification pathway. It shows VISD's dedication to supporting educators, improving student experiences, and following innovative education strategies as stated in their strategic plan. Ortiz's participation in the program has contributed to her personal and professional development and improved the education quality for students. Her graduation is a notable achievement and prompts reflection on the wider impact of the BRIDGE Program.

In an interview, Ortiz discussed her experiences with the program. She joined the BRIDGE Program because it allowed her to finish her education and aligns with her passion for teaching. She admitted that the program was demanding but rewarding, helping her balance school meetings, motherhood, college courses, and life.

Ortiz mentioned a significant challenge she faced in the program - managing classroom behavior. She discovered that being firm and consistent from the start creates a conducive learning environment. This experience influenced her teaching approach to be proactive and resilient. She feels that the BRIDGE Program has given her useful knowledge and skills that she can use in the classroom, improving her teaching effectiveness.

As the first BRIDGE Program graduate, Ortiz is proud to have paved the way for future educators in VISD. She urges other paraprofessionals or substitutes in VISD to consider the BRIDGE Program, even though it may seem challenging. She thinks that the program provides opportunities for those who thought higher education was unattainable, and shows VISD's dedication to fostering talent and promoting growth.

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