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Moline School Board Recognizes Outstanding 麻豆传媒内幕Paraprofessionals

February 17, 2025

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MOLINE, IL - - The Moline-Coal Valley School Board recognized 麻豆传媒内幕 Early Childhood Education graduates Stephanie Dick and Guinevere Skovronski on Feb. 10, for their achievements in the alternative pathway to licensure program for paraprofessionals. Their dedication to advancing their education while continuing to work in the classroom highlights the success of WIU鈥檚 program in addressing the teacher shortage.

Dick emphasized the flexibility of the program, which allowed her to balance work, family and academics.

鈥淭he courses at 麻豆传媒内幕were online and allowed students to work at their own pace as long as deadlines were followed,鈥� Dick said. 鈥淚f there were any Zoom classes, they were offered in the evening hours after school.鈥�

The program enabled her to observe students she was already working with for 麻豆传媒内幕assignments, strengthening her classroom experience. The ECACE scholarship covered tuition and books, easing financial concerns and allowing her to focus on academics.

鈥淭he ability to continue working and being paid in my current paraprofessional position relieved the financial aspect of school,鈥� Dick said.

The program鈥檚 structure provided crucial support for working students.

鈥淭he online format allowed me to work from home and still be available to my family. I was able to access Western Online from my phone if I needed to check on things while at work or with my children,鈥� Dick said. 鈥淎 mentor assigned to each student helped answer questions, ensuring students remained on track.鈥�

The impact of the program on professional growth is evident.

鈥淚 was able to student teach in the building I was employed in, but instead of staying in my paraprofessional role, I was hired through the school district. My student teaching began in my classroom,鈥� Dick said.

Now a licensed teacher, she manages IEPs and teaches in a blended classroom. She has also begun a master鈥檚 degree to further her education and benefit her students.
Skovronski credited the full online structure and summer courses for allowing her to focus on coursework while fulfilling her responsibilities.

鈥淭he professors were understanding of family obligations. While working at a district school, our administration understood the importance of continuing higher education, not only to give us more confidence in becoming teachers but to figure out our teaching styles,鈥� Skovronski said.
The program鈥檚 role in addressing the teacher shortage is significant.

鈥淭he program is addressing the teacher shortage by seeking out paraprofessionals who are already employed in a school district and have on-the-job experience. Having experienced individuals go through the Early Childhood program allows current employees to expand their knowledge and move up into higher education positions,鈥� Skovronski said. 鈥淭his program has helped the teacher shortage simply by allowing adult learners to be in the teaching field. Adult learners have many reasons why they stopped going to school, such as health, raising families and multigenerational responsibilities. The program allows them to reach their full potential.鈥�

Skovronski, who had been a paraprofessional for a decade, overcame significant challenges during the program.

鈥淚n the spring of 2023, I helped create and facilitate a Learning for Independence classroom, allowing our schools to reach more children with higher learning needs,鈥� Skovronski said.

She was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer the same year but persevered.

鈥淓ven with this disease, I was able to keep a 4.0 GPA and receive the Education and Human Services College Scholar award,鈥� Skovronski said.

The Moline School Board鈥檚 recognition of Dick and Skovronski showcases the importance of WIU鈥檚 alternative pathway to licensure. As these graduates continue to shape the future of education, their journeys serve as an inspiration to others seeking to advance in the field. They have been teaching at Jefferson Early Learning Center in Moline, where Principal Rachel Lloyd-Fowler has been collaborating with 麻豆传媒内幕to create a cohort of paraprofessionals.

For more information on WIU鈥檚 Early Childhood Education program, visit wiu.edu/coehs/education/.

Posted By: University Communications, University Relations
Phone: (309) 298-1993 * Fax: (309) 298-1606