Pasco County Schools is turning bus drivers, cafeteria workers and classroom aides into certified teachers through a program that has already moved more than 30 employees into teaching roles.

The Teach Pasco Paid Pathway covers tuition for up to 18 credit hours per fiscal year and keeps participants on payroll during their final student-teaching internship, Tampa Bay 28 reported Sept. 2. More than 100 district employees are enrolled.

Wesley Chapel's Overcrowded High Schools Fuel the Need

Wesley Chapel's overcrowded schools need the teachers. Wiregrass Ranch High operates at roughly 143% of capacity and Wesley Chapel High at about 134%, making them the two most crowded high schools in the district, according to district figures reported by Wesley Chapel Community in June. Cypress Creek High, which opened in 2017 to relieve that pressure, already sits at roughly 96% capacity. Projections cited during school board discussions suggest more than 4,000 additional students could eventually land within the area's high school boundaries as planned housing is built out.

The growth pressure prompted the school board to act on Aug. 25, when it adopted tighter school concurrency rules, lowering the acceptable capacity level from 115% for elementary and middle schools and 105% for high schools to 100% across the board.

Instructional Assistant Balances Coursework, Family and Full-Time Job

Cassie Reed, an instructional assistant at Pine View Elementary in Land O' Lakes, has spent four years working toward her education degree while balancing her job and family. She is completing her final teaching internship now.

"If I wasn't able to get paid during my student teaching, there would have been no way," Reed told Tampa Bay 28.

Reed said she stays up most nights doing coursework after her children go to bed. She hopes to remain in special education after earning her certification.

Program Requirements Include Principal Recommendation, Advance Application

To qualify, employees need at least one year in a non-instructional district position, a recommendation from their principal or director, and enrollment in a bachelor's education program. Required textbooks also qualify for reimbursement, and participants who want to keep their pay during the final internship must apply at least eight weeks before it begins.

Kelly Smith, the program's coordinator, told Tampa Bay 28 the district sees untapped talent among its bus drivers, hallway aides and cafeteria staff and views the pathway as a way to invest back in employees who have already committed to Pasco County students.

Bus Driver Vacancies Drop Sharply, Superintendent Says

In a separate staffing update on Aug. 12, Superintendent John Legg said bus driver vacancies dropped from 67 the prior year to fewer than 20.

The district has not announced a next application window or information session date. Interested employees can find details through the district's Office of Leading and Learning.