Local Educator Leslie Ortiz: The First Success Story from VISD's BRIDGE Program

Victoria Independent School District (VISD) is marking 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 progress through the program highlights its impact on educators and students.

The BRIDGE Program is not just a certification pathway. It reflects VISD's commitment to supporting educators, enhancing student experiences, and promoting innovative education approaches. Leslie Ortiz's achievement illustrates the program's potential. Her dedication to education has been key to her success.

In an interview, Ortiz discussed her experiences with the program. She was motivated to join the BRIDGE Program by the chance to finish her education and her love for teaching. She admitted that the program was challenging but rewarding, helping her balance school meetings, motherhood, college courses, and life.

Ortiz mentioned a significant challenge she faced during the program - managing classroom behavior. She found that being firm and consistent from the start creates a productive learning environment. This experience has influenced her teaching philosophy to be proactive and resilient. She feels that the BRIDGE Program has given her useful knowledge and skills for the classroom, improving her ability to guide her students.

As the first graduate of the BRIDGE Program, 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. She emphasizes that while the journey may be challenging, the rewards are significant. She believes that as more people join this program, the quality of education in the district will improve.

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