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Three dedicated paraprofessionals from Licking Heights Local Schools are earning their intervention specialist (IS) licensure while continuing to serve the district thanks to a new partnership with the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Central Ohio.
Through this innovative “grow-your-own” pathway, Jennifer Trotto, Lena Edmonds and Paige Estep will complete their coursework through Franklin University and Otterbein University while receiving on-the-job training under the guidance of experienced teachers. The program is funded in part by a state “Grow Your Own” scholarship and an incentive grant from Aspyr, ensuring financial barriers are minimized for participants.
“The premise is simple,” said Stephanie Schlegel, Apprenticeship Specialist for the ESC of Central Ohio. “We already have amazing paraprofessionals in our schools who have the heart and passion for this work. By supporting them in earning their credentials, we’re building our own pipeline of highly skilled, committed staff right from within the district.”
Jennifer Trotto has worked with Heights students for nearly a decade, currently serving at the high school.
“I love it here — the staff and students. I started looking into what I’d need for my IS license about a year ago, and this opportunity came at the perfect time,” Trotto said. “I’m fortunate for the support from our staff and the ESC. My goal is to give back to the colleagues who’ve supported me and to the students who inspire me every day.”
Paige Estep, also at the high school, works with students identified as having emotional disturbance (ED).
“Since I graduated high school, I’ve always wanted to be an intervention specialist,” she said. “When I was told about the chance to be sponsored through my employer to finish my degree, I knew it was meant to be. I’m most looking forward to gaining more knowledge so I can help my students succeed even more.”
Lena Edmonds, a Licking Heights graduate herself, works with students in grades K-4.
“It has always been my dream to be a teacher,” Edmonds said. “This program gives me the skills, mentorship and support to finally make that leap. I’m excited to build strong, supportive relationships with students, families and the community while learning from experienced educators.”
Participants in the program will continue working full-time in Licking Heights classrooms while completing their degrees. Schlegel serves as their mentor, offering guidance in both coursework and hands-on competencies.
The goal is for each apprentice to earn their IS license in about 18 months, after which they will be hired into full-time intervention specialist roles within the district.
“Staffing special education positions is always a challenge,” Schlegel said. “This pathway allows us to invest in people who are already deeply rooted in our schools and communities. It’s rewarding to remove barriers and help them grow their careers, while also ensuring students and families get the consistent, high-quality support they deserve.”
This partnership represents the first cohort of the ESC’s intervention specialist apprenticeship program, with participants from districts across central Ohio. For Licking Heights, it’s a way to address staffing shortages while honoring the dedication of long-serving paraprofessionals.
“We’re not just filling positions,” Schlegel said. “We’re building a strong, sustainable team of educators who know our students, our community and our values.”
Information submitted by Licking Heights Local Schools.
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: LHLS paraprofessionals studying to become intervention specialists
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