Recent Tyler Legacy High School graduate Ryleigh Williams has returned to work at Tyler ISD while pursuing her passion for education. Currently working on her teaching degree, Ryleigh has set her sights on becoming a teacher at Tyler ISD.
Earning a certification through Tyler ISD's Career & Technology Center's (CTC) education pathway, Ryleigh is now a Certified Educational Aide at Rice Elementary School. The CTC's education pathway allowed Ryleigh to gain valuable real-world experience. "I got to spend a lot of time in elementary classrooms during my last two years of high school, and that time spent connecting with the kids and watching how teachers perform day to day was so valuable to me and so applicable to my position now," Ryleigh said.
"Being able to job shadow every month in an elementary classroom was the most incredible experience and definitely the part of my CTC class that made me realize I wanted to pursue education," Ryleigh said. "Talking to students and seeing the impact I could make after just one day gave me an undeniable feeling of finding my passion."
She credits the guidance she received from her CTC mentors, Mrs. Shirley Chandler and Mrs. Sarah Jane Walker, as her biggest advocates in obtaining her certification. "I wouldn't be in my position today without their support," Ryleigh said. "I feel so blessed to have had them both guide me through my journey."
As a former student at Owens Elementary School, Three Lakes Middle School, and Tyler Legacy High School, Tyler is Ryleigh's hometown. It was understandable that after completing her certification, Ryleigh was thrilled to accept a position at Rice Elementary. "When I was hired, I was so excited! Leaving my job interview with my Rice Rangers t-shirt was such an amazing feeling, and I couldn't wait to start."
As a Certified Educational Aide, Ryleigh's responsibilities include working closely with students, providing one-on-one support, and helping them understand their assignments. Whether accompanying students to classes or assisting them during recess, she cherishes every moment of her role.
"Every day, I am more sure of my decision," added Ryleigh. "I absolutely see myself continuing in education, and I can't wait to see where teaching takes me."
Ryleigh is currently enrolled in classes at Texas A&M University-Commerce. She hopes to graduate with her teaching degree and return to the classroom as a full-time teacher in the fall of 2026.
For Tyler Legacy High School students considering a career in education, Ryleigh offers this advice: "Take the CTC education course and get your certification. It was the biggest help in getting me to where I am now and will continue to be as I work toward where I want to be in the future."
Ryleigh is among the 1,734 graduates who received a certification from the pathways available at the CTC in 2024.
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.