University News

Left to right: Stephanie Dick ('24) and Guinevere Skovronski ('24) stand for a photo.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Both recognized and supported by the Moline-Coal Valley School Board members; standing beside Rachel Lloyd-Fowler, the principal.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Moline School Board Recognizes Outstanding WIU Paraprofessionals

February 17, 2025

Printer friendly version

MOLINE, IL - - The Moline-Coal Valley School Board recognized Western Illinois University Early Childhood Education graduates Stephanie Dick and Guinevere Skovronski on Feb. 10, for their achievements in the alternative pathway to licensure program for paraprofessionals. Their dedication to advancing their education while continuing to work in the classroom highlights the success of WIU's program in addressing the teacher shortage.

Dick emphasized the flexibility of the program, which allowed her to balance work, family and academics.

"The courses at WIU were online and allowed students to work at their own pace as long as deadlines were followed," Dick said. "If there were any Zoom classes, they were offered in the evening hours after school."

The program enabled her to observe students she was already working with for WIU assignments, strengthening her classroom experience. The ECACE scholarship covered tuition and books, easing financial concerns and allowing her to focus on academics.

"The ability to continue working and being paid in my current paraprofessional position relieved the financial aspect of school," Dick said.

The program's structure provided crucial support for working students.

"The online format allowed me to work from home and still be available to my family. I was able to access Western Online from my phone if I needed to check on things while at work or with my children," Dick said. "A mentor assigned to each student helped answer questions, ensuring students remained on track."

The impact of the program on professional growth is evident.

"I was able to student teach in the building I was employed in, but instead of staying in my paraprofessional role, I was hired through the school district. My student teaching began in my classroom," Dick said.

Now a licensed teacher, she manages IEPs and teaches in a blended classroom. She has also begun a master's degree to further her education and benefit her students.
Skovronski credited the full online structure and summer courses for allowing her to focus on coursework while fulfilling her responsibilities.

"The professors were understanding of family obligations. While working at a district school, our administration understood the importance of continuing higher education, not only to give us more confidence in becoming teachers but to figure out our teaching styles," Skovronski said.
The program's role in addressing the teacher shortage is significant.

"The program is addressing the teacher shortage by seeking out paraprofessionals who are already employed in a school district and have on-the-job experience. Having experienced individuals go through the Early Childhood program allows current employees to expand their knowledge and move up into higher education positions," Skovronski said. "This program has helped the teacher shortage simply by allowing adult learners to be in the teaching field. Adult learners have many reasons why they stopped going to school, such as health, raising families and multigenerational responsibilities. The program allows them to reach their full potential."

Skovronski, who had been a paraprofessional for a decade, overcame significant challenges during the program.

"In the spring of 2023, I helped create and facilitate a Learning for Independence classroom, allowing our schools to reach more children with higher learning needs," Skovronski said.

She was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer the same year but persevered.

"Even with this disease, I was able to keep a 4.0 GPA and receive the Education and Human Services College Scholar award," Skovronski said.

The Moline School Board's recognition of Dick and Skovronski showcases the importance of WIU's alternative pathway to licensure. As these graduates continue to shape the future of education, their journeys serve as an inspiration to others seeking to advance in the field. They have been teaching at Jefferson Early Learning Center in Moline, where Principal Rachel Lloyd-Fowler has been collaborating with WIU to create a cohort of paraprofessionals.

For more information on WIU's Early Childhood Education program, visit wiu.edu/coehs/education/.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing