Three members of Nacogdoches ISD’s initial Teachworthy Certification Program cohort, a pathway for completion of their bachelor’s degree and obtaining a teaching certificate while working as a classroom instructor, have earned their college degrees. The next steps for Bobbie Fonzie, L.J. Upshaw, and Shameka Russ are obtaining their teaching certifications.
Indiana Wesleyan University partnered with Nacogdoches ISD on the program.
Many of the tuition expenses involved with the program are covered by a combination of the partnership between the district and Indiana Wesleyan University and the additional salary paid to staff while they move through the classes. A paraprofessional in the cohort working towards a degree has their compensation increased to $35,000 annually.
NISD launched the program in 2024 as one solution to the ongoing struggle facing many Texas public schools to fill openings in the classroom.
“Anything we can do to help teachers – especially those who want to be in the classroom – will benefit our district and students,” said Superintendent Grey Burton. “These teachers, along with the others still moving through the Teachworthy program, are displaying their commitment to NISD and to public education."
Bobbie Fonzie
On a steamy August morning early in the school year, Fonzie had her students lined up and ready to return to the classroom following a break.
The lesson, for the moment, was reading maps, including identifying terms such as “legend,” an explanatory list of the symbols on a map or chart.
This is Fonzie’s third year with Nacogdoches ISD. Before this semester, she taught third grade at Emeline Carpenter Elementary but moved with her class to fourth grade this year to teach science and social studies.
Fonzie started the program after already completing work on an associate’s degree.
Teaching all day and then working through a college program requires commitment, she said. And organization.
“It can definitely be overwhelming at times, but Teachworthy did a great job helping me stay organized and accountable,” she said. “The communication and reminders helped me learn how to pace myself and take things one day at a time.”
Up next, Fonzie said, is the certification process.
“I am so grateful that NISD gave me this opportunity,” she said. “Becoming a teacher once seemed impossible, but NISD helped make it possible by supporting the cost of my education and allowing me to gain classroom experience while earning my degree. I am truly thankful for the opportunity.”
Fonzie also encouraged others to take advantage of the program.
“My experience at Indiana Wesleyan University has been one of the best college experiences I've had,” she said. “The professors were supportive and helpful throughout the entire process.”
Shameka Russ
The first-grade teacher at Brooks-Quinn-Jones Elementary has been with the district five years and is starting her third year in the classroom.
“I love teaching first grade because you get to see so much growth,” said Russ. “There is nothing like seeing a child finally get something they have been working so hard on.”
And Russ worked hard to keep pace with her day job while also completing her degree.
“It was not easy!” she said. “I would work all day teaching, come home and take care of what I needed to, and then still have my own schoolwork waiting on me.
“There were plenty of late nights, tired mornings, and times I wanted to just go to sleep. But I kept pushing. I knew what I wanted, and I wanted my kids to see me finish what I started.”
Russ already had some college credit hours in the bank when she started the Teachworthy process, including enough for an associate's degree. “I was able to keep working while finishing my bachelor’s degree, and I’m very proud that I stuck with it.”
It took a lot of work, she said, but it’s worth completing.
“Was it easy? No. But was it worth it? Yes!” Russ said. “Take it one day and one assignment at a time and keep pushing, even on the days when you’re tired.”
Russ is grateful for the opportunity and thankful for those in her family’s support.
“I would just say I’m thankful,” she said. “I’m thankful for the opportunity, the people who helped me, and especially my family for putting up with all those nights when Mama and wife had homework.
“This journey meant a lot to me because I didn’t just do it for myself. I did it for my family and my students, too. I wanted them to see that it doesn’t matter how long it takes – you can still finish. I prayed for this. I cried for this. I sacrificed for this. I worked for this, and I earned this.
“I also want to thank Nacogdoches ISD for this program, because without the district, it would not be possible.”
L.J. Upshaw
L.J. Upshaw is a behavior interventionist at Mike Moses Elementary, a role he’s held for three years. Upshaw is beginning his 12th year overall in the district. Before joining Mike Moses, Upshaw was a paraprofessional at Emeline Carpenter.
An interventionist works with students, putting behavioral support in place to help students be successful and remain in the classroom.
The ability to influence generations of students is one reason Upshaw was attracted to Nacogdoches ISD.
“You’re working with all generations,” he said. “Seeing kids out in the community and hearing, ‘Hey Mr. L.J.’ means a lot.”
Upshaw began work in the Teachworthy program two years ago. Right after getting started – and while attending a two-day in-person training session in Tyler – his father died, adding grief to the challenge of balancing a full-time job and college-level class work.
“It’s by the grace of God I got through this,” Upshaw said. “And like my father did with his work, I’m doing this for my family as well.”
Upshaw urged others to take advantage of the NISD program with Teachworthy.
“Those student loans are serious business,” he said. “They’re not providing these types of opportunities left and right.”