While many people associate summer with a break from the classroom, in Victoria ISD (VISD), Summer 2025 is one of the most energized and impactful seasons for professional learning and nowhere is that more evident than in our BRIDGE program.

The BRIDGE program is a pathway for educators who have been employed as a paraprofessional or substitute in VISD and receive a strong recommendation from their campus administrator. Through an innovative partnership with both Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) and Teachworthy, VISD will teach nine core classes that have been accredited by IWU and each is valued at 3 credit hours. Designed to attract, support, and retain high-quality teachers through a grow-your-own model, the BRIDGE program provides aspiring educators with the tools, mentorship, and coursework they need to become certified teachers, while earning a salary and gaining valuable classroom experience.

This summer, as most students are away from campus, our BRIDGE teachers are leaning into their professional growth and continuing their journey toward becoming certified, confident, and effective classroom leaders.

We are proud to celebrate Cohort 2 of the BRIDGE program, who are actively participating in Course 106: High-Yield Strategies. This course provides a deeper look at research-based instructional practices and tools in the classroom setting. In this course, participants will examine classroom management strategies that provide a solid foundation, which will impact the success of enriching educational experiences. Through this examination of classroom management techniques, participants will reflect upon their first year of teaching and the areas of reset that are needed to successfully incorporate high-yield teaching strategies into instruction. Participants dive into research-based practices and methods that meet the needs of varied learners and learning styles. After participating in the course, students will be able to provide highly impactful instruction that meets the needs of diverse groups of learners through the development of rich learning environments.

Course 106 is a critical part of the BRIDGE curriculum and provides teachers-in-training with a deep dive into the strategies that have the greatest impact on student learning outcomes. These sessions, which combine instruction, collaboration, and reflection, empower our BRIDGE participants to apply evidence-based practices that support student engagement and academic success.

Meanwhile, our newest group of aspiring educators, BRIDGE Cohort 3 is just beginning their journey, and they are starting strong. In June, they are completing their 13 hours of college credit through Teachworthy: Elevate Modules, which focus on child development, educational pedagogy, instructional design, and more. Cohort 3 will also participate in Capturing Kids’ Hearts, an immersive training experience that focuses on building strong, respectful, and positive relationships in the classroom. This foundational training helps new educators create safe, engaging learning environments from day one, setting the tone for meaningful connections and student growth.

In July, Cohort 3 will transition into Course 101, which serves as the launchpad for their coursework and certification pathway. VISD 101: Strong Start with Classroom Culture and Management provides an overview of all the tools needed that will help BRIDGE teachers start off strong as a classroom instructor. Through the Lead4ward 101 and Connect Conferences, participants will engage in a variety of sessions that address the whole child, learning strategies, and tools to build a positive classroom environment. The work of Harry Wong and Rosemary Wong will be delved into for exploring routines and procedures that will create a fluid environment for instruction and develop instructional content in a collaborative setting. Capturing Kids’ Hearts’ training will be reflected upon for building student relationships and the implementation of social contracts. The work of Sean Cain and Mike Laird’s Fundamental 5: The Formula of Quality Instruction will guide the learner through the five practices that teachers should utilize during student engagement.

The BRIDGE program is not just about coursework—it’s about creating a supportive network of future educators who are committed to continuous improvement, collaboration, and student success. Participants benefit from hands-on mentorship from experienced educators, ongoing instructional coaching, and a system of support that sets them up for long-term success in the classroom.

In VISD, we believe that great teachers are made through a blend of passion, preparation, and perseverance. The BRIDGE program exemplifies that belief and reflects our district’s unwavering commitment to building a strong pipeline of future educators who reflect the values and needs of our schools and students.

As we look to the upcoming school year, we are excited about the growth in our BRIDGE teachers and grateful for the investment they’re making in themselves and in the students they will one day serve. Their dedication this summer is a powerful reminder that education doesn’t take a vacation, and neither does excellence.

Whether they are diving into high-yield strategies or capturing kids’ hearts, BRIDGE teachers are continuing to learn, grow, and earn—helping shape the future of education in VISD.

Ashley Alvarez is the executive director of communications for VISD.

VISD Intranet - PENDING

SCHOOL MATTERS: BRIDGE Teachers Continue Learning and Earning Through the Summer