Becoming a teacher traditionally takes four years to complete at a university.
However, some local college graduates are part of a new breed of educators achieving their career goal in just one to three years. After earning a bachelor’s degree in another field, they’re learning to teach via the Teacher Certification Program at Laredo Community College. And they’re succeeding in a big way.
Cristina Iniguez, a teacher at Juarez-Lincoln Elementary School, is one of them. Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Iniguez obtained a communications degree in her country before relocating to Laredo. But she never forgot her dream of becoming a teacher.
In 2002, her dream came closer to reality when she learned about the alternative certification programs available to persons who hold a four-year degree and have a desire to teach.
These programs help people such as Iniguez obtain the skills and knowledge needed to pass the certification exam to teach in Texas.
After reviewing her training options in Laredo, Iniguez chose to enroll in the LCC Teacher Certification Program because of the program’s unique features, particularly the online training and mentoring offered only by LCC in the Laredo area.
“As a wife and mother, I needed an educational program that would allow me to manage my studies with my personal life,” said Iniguez. “Laredo Community College was the only one that could offer that convenience and flexibility.
“With the LCC Teacher Certification program, everything was under my control.”
Iniguez began the teacher certification program at LCC in May of 2002. By June of that same year, she was hired to teach via an internship at Juarez-Lincoln Elementary in Rio Bravo. She obtained her teacher certification in May 2004.
She taught kindergarten her first year and was promoted this year to teach third grade.
Juarez-Lincoln Elementary Principal Melissa Cruz said that Iniguez has had so much success with the students and the TAKS test that she now serves as a teacher leader.
“Ms. Iniguez has done a remarkable job in everything from her attitude as a teacher to her work with the kids. Now, she helps as a teacher leader to conduct staff development sessions,” Cruz said.
Iniguez is one of at least two Juarez-Lincoln school teachers who are products of the LCC Teacher Certification Program, and all draw words of praise from Cruz.
“The LCC Teacher Certification program is doing a remarkable job of producing first-year teachers who are well prepared. Their performance is outstanding,” Cruz noted, adding that the college’s TCP maintains strong communication ties with the school.
Cruz’s comments are encouraging words for Gloria Benacci, director of the LCC Teacher Certification Program.
“It’s great to hear those type of comments coming from the school districts because it validates the college’s mission to produce quality teachers for the benefit of the South Texas region,” Benacci said.
According to recent statistics from the State Board for Educator Certification, completers of the LCC Teacher Certification Program achieved a 100 percent passing rate on the teacher certification exam. Benacci said that 53 teachers were trained for new certificates.
Benacci noted the state certification exams are tough and emphasized the college’s commitment to helping all students achieve their career goals.
“We (LCC) don’t quit on our future teachers. We will work with them until they obtain their state certification,” Benacci noted.
Iniguez can confirm Benacci’s statement.
“The teaching staff at Laredo Community College is truly willing to help the Teacher Certification Program participants. By utilizing the Internet technology, the faculty and staff are always available to assist the students. This benefit truly helped me fulfill my dream to become a teacher,” said Iniguez.
A flexible-entry schedule allows individuals to join the LCC program at various monthly entry points throughout the year.
Another benefit is the program’s affordability; cost for the total training and support is under $2,800 and payable in monthly installments during the participant’s internship year. A $250 pre-service training fee for most certificates also applies.
For more information or to register online, visit the LCC Teacher Certification Program at www.laredo.edu/teachered, email teachered@laredo.edu or call 764-5986.
Juarez-Lincoln elementary school teacher Cristina Iniguez is surrounded by several students during a San Antonio field trip. Iniguez is one of the best examples of the quality teachers that LCC is producing through its Teacher Certification Program.
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