Lewisville ISD teachers can get help paying certification exam and application fees from a new foundation fund

Educators in Lewisville ISD, which runs The Colony's public schools, can now get help with the cost of earning a Texas teaching certification, or adding one, from the district's education foundation.

The Lewisville Education Foundation announced its Teacher Certification Reimbursement Fund on Thursday, according to the Cross Timbers Gazette, which reported the program Saturday from the foundation's press release.

The foundation said out-of-pocket costs have remained a hurdle even though the district trains new hires and offers mentoring and continuing support. Exams run $116 to $178 each, the foundation said, and some certifications added to an existing Texas certificate carry a separate $78 application fee. Depending on the certification, a teacher can spend anywhere from $200 to $700.

"Home to nearly 4,000 credentialed educators, Lewisville ISD recognizes that earning and maintaining Texas teacher certifications requires significant dedication, preparation and financial investment," the foundation said in its release.

How it will work

Money for the fund will come at first from the foundation's "Fund a Dream" campaign, which began this year and lets donors support projects across the district.

LISD's Human Resources Certification Team, the office that tracks employee credentials, will run the program with the foundation. The foundation said it is meant for district employees pursuing additional professional credentials, and it described extra certifications as a way for teachers to broaden what they can teach as classroom needs and state rules change.

The release did not give a cap on reimbursements or an application deadline.

Sources

Cross Timbers Gazette