PRAIRIEVILLE, La. (WAFB) - The Ascension Parish School District approved a tuition reimbursement program to encourage paraprofessionals to become full-time teachers.

The program would provide $1,500 per semester to paraprofessionals taking classes toward teacher certifications and degrees. Superintendent Edith Walker said the district wants to support employees already working in schools who are interested in advancing their careers.

“We know we have people willing to do the work in our district so why not support that,” Walker said.

Ariel Birdis, a paraprofessional at Bluff Ridge Primary in Prairieville, is currently working toward her teaching degree while gaining classroom experience. She said the hands-on learning complements her online coursework.

“Everything intertwines what I’m

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