Fayette County Schools to pilot aide-to-teacher pathway with New River Community and Technical College

Fayette County Schools invited representatives from New River Community and Technical College to present a pilot program aimed at moving instructional aides into certified teaching roles.

Miss Hera introduced the program and said the county seeks to use ESSER funds to support instructional aides in a two‑year associate degree pathway. Mr. Gray, representing New River CTC, told the board the program uses a cohort model intended to keep aides engaged and supported while they earn credits that can transfer seamlessly into four‑year education programs through articulation agreements with institutions such as Concord, Bluefield State and Glenville State.

Mr. Gray said roughly 35 instructional aides have so far expressed interest; he acknowledged that number may change once participants formally commit. He described cost-reduction steps, including West Virginia Invest eligibility that can substantially lower tuition for a two‑year associate, New River’s use of a Cengage Unlimited plan that covers approximately 80% of required textbooks, and the adoption of open educational resources to further reduce expenses. Courses may be delivered online or by Zoom, allowing working aides to continue schedules that include evenings and weekends.

Presenters said district staff (Miss Harrah and Miss Dooley) and the superintendent have been supportive. Mr. Gray invited further collaboration and scheduled a follow-up Zoom meeting to finalize participation and answer logistical questions.

The board welcomed the proposal but took no formal action on the pilot during the meeting.