Principal Resources
Principal Resources
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How does RISE support a paraprofessional in obtaining a bachelor's degree?
How does RISE support a paraprofessional in obtaining a bachelor's degree?
The RISE Program is a partnership between Comal ISD, Teachworthy, and Indiana Wesleyan University designed to help paraprofessionals earn a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification. Candidates with at least 30-40 college credit hours can transfer them from any accredited university, with no expiration, giving participants flexibility and recognition for prior coursework. Candidates must have recommendation by campus principal to participate.
The program provides an accelerated pathway that blends coursework from all three partners with hands-on classroom experience. As RISE instructors, participants lead their own classrooms while applying best practices and receiving ongoing mentorship.
The program’s success is strengthened when principals and the District Professional Learning Team collaborate to provide continuous support, ensuring each candidate grows into a confident, innovative educator.
Credits Earned through RISE Program Partners
Can RISE work on my campus?
Can RISE work on my campus?
Principals should consider the following when determining if RISE is a good fit for their campus:
Anticipated Vacant Position for the following school year in a General Education/Core Subject Classroom
Rockstar Paraprofessional to fill a vacant position as a RISE Instructor (see selection process below for RISE Instructor)
Rockstar Master Teacher to mentor the RISE Instructor as a RISE Facilitator (see selection process below for RISE Facilitator)
Selection Process
Selection Process
Selecting a RISE Instructor
Selecting a RISE Instructor
Principal will recommend a paraprofessional to fill a vacant position for the following school year who:
Has 30-40+ college credits on an official transcript at time of cohort start (each January)
Can handle the rigorous workload of teaching + finishing degree/certification
Has the will and skill to become a certified teacher
Shows a growth mindset and passion for education
Will be placed in a vacant teaching position for the following school year
Selecting the RISE Facilitator
Selecting the RISE Facilitator
Principal must designate a RISE Facilitator on the same team to mentor the RISE Instructor for the following school year who will:
Provide daily coaching and feedback
Attend all required trainings
Collaborate with the Professional Learning Team
Facilitator should meet the following criteria:
T-TESS rating of Proficient or above in all dimensions
Commitment to personal growth and to growing new teachers
Able to provide consistent daily support
*RISE Facilitators receive a $3,000 stipend
Principal and Professional Learning (PL) Team Partnership
Principal and Professional Learning (PL) Team Partnership
Principal Responsibilities
Principal Responsibilities
Identify and recommend paraprofessionals for the RISE cohort and will fill a vacant teaching position
Support the RISE candidate through all professional learning requirements
Pair the RISE Instructor with a highly qualified RISE Facilitator
Monitor RISE Instructor progress through walkthroughs, RISE KickUp Dashboard data, and practice T-TESS evaluation
Maintain open communication with PL Team Lead
PL Team Lead Responsibilities
PL Team Lead Responsibilities
Send RISE Applications for recommended paraprofessionals
Provide ongoing coursework for RISE candidates while they serve as paraprofessionals and RISE Instructors
Deliver a minimum of five trainings for RISE Facilitators throughout the year
Monitor cohort progress through ongoing observation and feedback within KickUp
Maintain open communication with principals
RISE Timeline and Action Steps
RISE Timeline and Action Steps
Timeline & Action Steps for Principals 2026-2027
Timeline & Action Steps for Principals 2026-2027
Step 1 — Identify & Confirm Interest
Meet with qualified paraprofessionals to explain the RISE program, expectations, and timeline to confirm interest.
Step 2 — Submit Recommendation
Submit principal recommendation for Cohort 3 candidates by Friday, November 13, 2026
Principal recommendation form: Principal Recommendation Form
Step 3 — District Follow-Up to Candidates
After recommendations close, the Professional Learning Team will contact your recommended paraprofessionals with:
Program details
Important dates
RISE Paraprofessional Application Link
📅 Important Dates 2026-2027
📅 Important Dates 2026-2027
Additional Principal Resources
Additional Principal Resources
RISE at a Glance
RISE at a Glance
Administrator Testimonials
Administrator Testimonials
“We absolutely love the RISE program because it empowers our exceptional paraprofessionals to pursue their dreams of becoming teachers. What makes RISE truly special is how it grows talent from within, providing district and campus support every step of the way. It has been incredibly rewarding to see our paraprofessionals thrive, build confidence, and step into leadership roles in the classroom. This program is a game-changer for schools looking to invest in their people and build a stronger future for students."
Janelle Hardin, FSES Principal
“It has been incredibly rewarding to see our paraprofessionals thrive, build confidence, and step into leadership roles in the classroom. This program is a game-changer for schools looking to invest in their people and build a stronger future for students.”
Jessica McCoy, CLHS Associate Principal
Contact Information
Contact Information
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