Aide Program

In response to a growing shortage of certified teachers, the 75th Legislature created the Educational Aide Exemption Program to fund tuition exemptions for educational aides who attend college to become certified teachers. Certain eligibility criteria restricts the number of teacher aides who can qualify for an exemption under this program. House Bill 1130 removes certain provisions of the Educational Aide Exemption Program to expand the number of teacher aides who are eligible to receive an exemption, and adds certain additional provisions to the program. The bill amends the Education Code to provide that, in order for an institution of higher education to exempt a person from the payment of tuition and fees, the person must be a school employee serving in any capacity who has worked as an educational aide for at least one school year during the five years preceding the term or semester for which the person receives the exemption.

Educational Aide Exemption Program

Qualifications For Local District Assistance

The district hereby declares that any person who qualifies for the Educational Aide Exemption Program will be supported locally in accordance with the following criteria:

Must be employed for at least one year in the local district
Must receive an acceptable evaluation of work performance
Must be recommended by the principal
Must be recommended by at least one teacher who has observed the applicant's performance
Must be recommended by the assistant superintendent of administration of schools

District Support For Educational Aides Accepted Into The Program

All educational aides will be provided with an annual orientation and application materials related to the program.

The district will assist qualified applicants who need help in completing the application.

The district will provide access to district technology resources as might be necessary for participation in the program including, but not limited to, personal e-mail address, access to Internet resources, and other technology assets.