MUSD para-professional earns her first degree

For The Madera Tribune

Madera Unified School District para-professional Shelly Smith.

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Shelly Smith, a Madera Unified School District para-professional, made history as she became the first person in California to earn a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential through the free college program provided to California School Employees Association (CSEA) members.

The CSEA no-cost college credential program allowed Smith to pursue her degree through Central State University, an accredited university in Ohio.

“I’m so proud an employee from MUSD was the first to achieve this goal,” said Cheri Giddens, CSEA chapter 169 president.

Madera Unified hopes staff continues to take advantage of the different resources provided by their unions to assist them in achieving their goals and furthering their education.