“Many educators today are not coming through traditional university programs,” says Lisa Smothers, Chief Human Resources Officer. “We are working to attract professionals from other industries who can bring valuable experience into the classroom.” At the same time, the district is investing heavily in its existing workforce. “We are building our own pipeline,” Smothers adds. “Our paraprofessionals already understand our students and our schools, and we are supporting them as they pursue teaching credentials.” Cole notes that partnerships with Baton Rouge Community College, Southern University, and Louisiana State University are also expanding pathways into the profession. “We are seeing higher education partners respond to the need,” he says.“They are increasing education offerings and placing more student teachers in our schools.” LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL At Merrydale Elementary School, those pipeline efforts are already producing results. “I have paraprofessionals who now want to become teachers,” says Casey Wells, Principal of Merrydale Elementary School. “They are receiving on-the-job training and realizing this is the work they want to do.” Wells explains that having both a teacher and a paraprofessional in every classroom strengthens instruction and helps develop future educators who are already embedded in the school culture. “It allows us to build leadership from within and create sustainability,” Wells notes. TECHNOLOGY WITH INTENTION AND BALANCE Technology plays a growing role across the 243 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 07, ISSUE 02 EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM
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