Long before she worked for the Madera Unified School District, Smith was an instructional aide while taking her first steps towards becoming a teacher 18 years ago. She started by taking classes and earned her associate degree while working at the Madera County Office of Education, where she became a paraeducator for students with special needs. The opportunity to go back to school is not a luxury many classified employees have, especially when they have a family to take care of and bills to pay. Smith’s opportunity came about when disaster seemingly struck the entire world: the COVID-19 pandemic. “It kind of worked out really; throughout the pandemic, I had more opportunities to do my classes,” Smith said. “It was a rocky experience in the beginning because it felt brand new but by the end of it, it was going really well.”

Having completed all requirements, tests, and coursework, Smith is now completing the application form to obtain her California Teaching Credential

“As a parent, I also want to encourage younger people that may be starting out as a paraeducator or a classroom aide. Do it for the free education while you can."

- Shelly Smith, Paraprofessional Aide - Special Education, Madera Unified Chapter 169

As a member union of the AFL-CIO, CSEA members can earn a teaching credential at no cost, thanks to a partnership with Union Plus. As a regionally accredited institution, Central State University in Ohio offers CSEA members a variety of degree programs, which includes the Bachelor of Science in Education inclusive of teacher licensure. “We understand the challenges of managing the demands of full-time employment, family responsibilities, and the rigor of college course work,” said Dr. Lillian D. Drakeford, Director of Field and Clinical Experiences at Central State University. “We do all we can to support students and partnering with school districts so that students successfully meet all of the degree and teacher licensure requirements.”

Shelly Smith, paraeducator at Madera Unified School District

“We do all we can to support students and partnering with school districts so that students successfully meet all of the degree and teacher licensure requirements."

- Dr. Lillian D. Drakeford, Director of Field and Clinical Experiences at Central State University

One of the main goals of the CSEA No-Cost College Program is to help members reach lifelong goals through higher education. In Smith’s high school senior yearbook, she remembers writing that her future career was to be a teacher. Though it took raising two daughters, two different employee classifications, and two degrees later, Smith is now a living testament to the age-old saying: it’s never too late to start over. “I would tell people: Don't be intimidated. I was very intimidated starting again as an older adult and I know some of my colleagues are also older adults. You might think you’re too old to go to school, but don't say that,” Smith explained. “As a parent, I also want to encourage younger people that may be starting out as a paraeducator or a classroom aide. Do it for the free education while you can.” Smith might be the first to earn a teaching credential through this program, but she most certainly won’t be the last. CSEA offers a wide array of resources to help interested members get started, such as virtual information sessions, staff dedicated to helping you fill out paperwork, and so much more.