From Fambassador to Paraprofessional: New Opportunities in DeKalb

The DeKalb County School District (DCSD) continues to create pathways for growth, not only through education but also by offering meaningful employment opportunities for parents and community members with valuable experience and credentials.

One such initiative is Fambassador, led by the Department of Family & Community Engagement (FACE). This program strengthens the connection between families and schools while providing participants with training and pathways to professional advancement.

An inspiring example of its impact is the journey of Elizabeth Phair. Elizabeth began as a Fambassador volunteer and is now a proud member of the Indian Creek Elementary School team, serving as a fifth-grade paraprofessional. With over 10 years of teaching experience in her home country, Myanmar, she received support from FACE and the DCSD Human Resources Department to validate her credentials, complete the hiring process, and officially join the district.

“Being a paraprofessional is not my end journey. I would like to become a teacher one day,” she said enthusiastically.

Launched in 2022, Fambassador partners parents and guardians from diverse cultures and languages in school projects. Participants share information within their communities, support schools directly, and help build stronger connections. More than 81 parents have graduated from the program, with a strong presence at Dresden ES, Sequoyah MS, John Lewis ES, Doraville ES, Cross Keys HS, Indian Creek ES, and many others.

Many graduates, like Elizabeth, have joined DCSD as employees, while others continue volunteering and inspiring more families to get involved. The district is currently recruiting more than 25 new paraprofessionals who, like Elizabeth, first began their journey as volunteers.

Elizabeth’s story is just one example of how DeKalb empowers its community through programs that provide training, growth, and career opportunities. These programs strengthen the district’s commitment to building a more diverse, united, and thriving community.

For more information on how to be part of the “From Fambassador to Paraprofessional” program, please contact:

Anne Ferreira | anne_a_ferreira@dekalbschoolsga.org | (404) 849-6350