The new Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education can be earned at a low cost while employees work full time with FISD.
Frisco ISD is proud to partner with Dallas College on a new program giving paraprofessionals and other auxiliary staff a path to earning their bachelor’s degree and teacher certification.
The new initiative, part of an ongoing effort by Frisco ISD to “grow our own,” offers a structured, supportive route for Frisco ISD paraprofessionals to transition into teaching roles, especially those in high-need certification areas such as special education, bilingual and ESL.
The program was developed with working professionals in mind, including instructional aides and other school employees who already support students every day.
“This is a game-changer for our employees,” said Dr. Kishawna Wiggins, Frisco ISD human resources director. “The program Dallas College is offering really stands out — not just because of the affordability, but because their model is flexible and intentional.”
Dallas College offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education with a pathway to teacher certification, and the cost of the program is remarkably low — under $13,000 for Dallas County residents and around $15,000 for those outside the county. What’s more, Dallas College has grants and scholarship opportunities that could essentially cover the full cost of tuition.
Unlike traditional teacher preparation programs, Dallas College’s Para-to-Teaching program is designed to fit the lives of full-time employees. The coursework is available in online, in-person and hybrid formats, and participants will be part of a cohort model that includes structured support such as:
Protected release time during the school day for cohort meetings
Professional development sessions, guest speakers and tutoring
A dedicated success coach from Dallas College
A dedicated facilitator who will support employees throughout the program
A full-year teaching residency, replacing the traditional one-semester student teaching model, in their final year of studies
24-hour access to tutoring
Support with technology needs
Dallas College also provides ongoing, built-in supports to assist Frisco ISD’s aspiring teachers complete the program and degree plan.
The District hosted virtual informational sessions this spring, with 12 forming the first cohort for 2025-26.
The ultimate goal is to build a stronger internal teacher pipeline and create career advancement opportunities for committed FISD employees who already have a passion for working with students.
“Whether you're in food service, transportation, clerical or a classroom support role — if you’ve ever thought about teaching, now is the time to explore it,” Wiggins said. “This is more than just a degree — it’s a pathway to a new future in education.”
Join the team
Frisco ISD is hiring! Benefits of working in Frisco ISD include competitive pay, a great work environment, enrollment in FISD schools, school holidays off, paid leave, a free employee health clinic, and health benefits.