FORT BEND ISD (March 2, 2026) – Fort Bend ISD is growing its own certified Special Education teachers through a grant-funded partnership with Houston Community College’s Alternative Teacher Certification Program.

The program supports Special Education paraprofessionals who are already serving students, hold a bachelor’s degree, and want to pursue a Special Education certification to teach in a historically hard-to-fill area. It represents a long-term investment in both employees and students.

“Our paraprofessionals are central to the success of our Special Education classrooms,” FBISD’s Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant Kristal Booker said. “They are dedicated professionals who show up each day with heart, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to students, bringing care, patience, and skill to some of our most complex learning environments.”

Through the current grant funding provided by Fort Bend County, participants complete the program with no out-of-pocket costs and commit to teaching in FBISD for a minimum of two years after certification. Upon successful completion, candidates become eligible for a Standard Teaching Certificate issued by the Texas Education Agency.

“Through our Grow-Your-Own partnership, we are intentionally investing in these educators by creating a clear and sustainable pathway to teacher certification that strengthens long-term staffing in our highest-need areas and reduces reliance on external recruitment,” Booker said. “Most importantly, this work ensures that our students continue to be supported by educators who know them by name, understand their unique needs, and believe deeply in their potential.”

The first cohort began in fall 2025, with a second and final cohort under this grant launching in spring 2026.

Fall 2025 Cohort

• Maria Arcangeles – Lantern Lane Elementary
• Barbara Dorsey – Missouri City Middle School
• Coffy Gray – Elkins High School
• Binish Khatani – Neill Elementary
• Sheela Kumaradoss – Bowie Middle School
• Anne Ton – Madden Elementary

Spring 2026 Cohort

• Victoria Anikputa – Kempner High School
• Anthonia Higgins – Malala Elementary
• Sirisha Thotakuri – Kempner High School
• Laqueen Smith – Baines Middle School
• Janet Compton – Bush High School
• Yogini Mistry – Kempner High School
• Benita Morris – Burton Elementary

FBISD Promotes Leadership Development at All Levels

In alignment with the district’s Core Beliefs and Commitments, FBISD provides and promotes leadership development at every level. District administrators continuously seek meaningful opportunities to grow and strengthen staff like this partnership with HCC.

Beginning in the 2026–27 school year, the district will offer four new leadership pipelines:

• Aspire: Teachers who are interested in becoming assistant principals
• Ascend: Assistant principals who aspire to become principals
• Accelerate: Associate principals who are preparing to become principals
• Elevate: Principals who are ready to move into central administration

By developing and investing in its own employees, the district demonstrates it’s a win to work in Fort Bend.