Frances Brownlie Scholarship Program
In an effort to 'grow our own teachers', the MISD Education Foundation partnered with Mansfield ISD to create a scholarship program for currently employed MISD paraprofessionals and auxiliary employees who want to become teachers. Generous donations were made by community supporters who understand the importance of education and in 2019, the Frances Brownlie Scholarship Program was born.
The Frances Brownlie Scholarship will allow paraprofessionals and auxiliary employees in the program to maintain their current position during the day while acquiring their alternative teaching certification in the evenings, on the weekends and during the summer.
Program Guidelines
All interested Mansfield ISD paraprofessionals and auxiliary employees must complete the Frances Brownlie Application. Application will open following the information meeting.
NOTE: The application form must be completed in its entirety once it is started. You might consider previewing the application and creating your responses in a separate program before beginning the online application process.
Eligibility Requirements:
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Current full-time Mansfield ISD paraprofessional or auxiliary employees
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Must hold a completed bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
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Must be employed in the district for a minimum of one semester
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Minimum of 2.5 GPA (based on cumulative GPA or the last 60 completed college credit hours)
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Must meet UTA Alternative Certification acceptance policies and requirements
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Must submit unofficial transcripts to MISD Human Resources office for evaluation of minimum GPA requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a full-time MISD employee?
Yes. You must be a current full-time Mansfield ISD paraprofessional or auxiliary employee and have been employed by the district for a minimum of one full semester. Substitutes are not eligible.
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Do I need a bachelor's degree to apply?
Yes. You must have completed a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, and your degree must be officially conferred before you apply.
An associate's degree does not meet the bachelor's degree requirement for UTA's Alternative Certification Program.
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Can I apply if I am still working on my bachelor's degree?
No. You must have completed your bachelor's degree and have it officially conferred before applying for the Frances Brownlie Scholarship Program.
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What if I have more than a bachelor's degree?
That's great! You are still eligible as long as you meet all other program and UTA eligibility requirements.
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What GPA do I need?
You must have a minimum 2.5 GPA, based on either your cumulative GPA or your last 60 completed college credit hours.
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Can I apply if I am already enrolled in an education or alternative certification program?
The Frances Brownlie Scholarship Program supports eligible MISD employees pursuing teacher certification through UTA's Alternative Certification Program.
If you are currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in education or are already enrolled in another alternative certification program, that does not replace the requirement to meet UTA's Alternative Certification Program admission requirements. You must meet the eligibility requirements for and be accepted into UTA's Alternative Certification Program to participate in the Frances Brownlie Scholarship Program.
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What Is English is not my first language?
If English is not your first language, you may be required to demonstrate English proficiency through the TOEFL examination. This requirement must be completed before applying to the Frances Brownlie Scholarship Program so that you can demonstrate English proficiency and be prepared to begin the program.
Tarrant County College offers an 8–12 week hybrid TOEFL preparation course. For more information, call 817-515-2568 or email AEL_INQUIRIES@TCCD.EDU.
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BEFORE I APPLY
Do I have to attend the information meeting?
Yes. Attendance at the information meeting is required. The meeting provides important information about the program. UTA's Alternative Certification Program, eligibility requirements, program expectations, and participant obligations.
The T3 application will open after the information meeting. You must attend the meeting before completing the application.
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When is the deadline to apply?
The deadline to apply for the current cohort is Tuesday, September 15, 2026.​
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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I APPLY?
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What happens after I submit my application?
After applications are submitted:
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A reference will be requested from your campus or department administrator.
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MISD Human Resources will review your transcripts to verify that you meet the program's academic requirements, including the minimum GPA.
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A selection committee will review the application information and determine candidates for the upcoming cohort.
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Applicants will receive notification from MISD Human Resources regarding their status and, if selected, the next steps in the process.
​Do I have to be accepted into UTA's Alternative Certification Program before I apply?
No, you do not apply to UTA's Alternative Certification Program until after you have been selected for the Frances Brownlie Scholarship Program.
However, all participants must meet UTA's Alternative Certification Program admission requirements and ultimately be accepted into UTA's program.
What if I am not selected?
If you are not selected for the current cohort, you may apply again for a future cohort. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements in place for the cohort to which they are applying.
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What will I be able to teach?
Can I choose what subject or grade level I want to teach?
Not necessarily. The Frances Brownlie Scholarship Program is designed to help Mansfield ISD address areas of high need.
The district's current high-need certification areas include:
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EC-6 Bilingual
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Secondary Math (Grades 7-12)
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Secondary Science (Grades 7-12)
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Secondary Language Arts (Grades 7-12)
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Special Education (EC-12)
These areas may change based on district needs.
UTA will also review your college transcripts to determine which certification areas you may be eligible for based on your academic background. Candidates will receive more information about certification areas during the information meeting and through the UTA process.
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How will I know what I am qualified to teach?
UTA will review your college transcripts to determine which certification areas you may be eligible for based on your completed coursework and degree.
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WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM INVOLVE?
How long does the program take?
The Frances Brownlie Scholarship Program is an intensive program designed to be completed within approximately nine months. Depending on your cohort start date, you will be prepared to begin teaching in August or January.
The program requires discipline, time management, and the ability to work independently and stay on schedule. Please carefully consider your personal and work schedule before applying and make sure you can dedicate the necessary time to the program, including during holidays and summer breaks.
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What costs are covered?
The program covers:
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UTA Alternative Certification Program tuition
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Certification Exam Fee
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One Certification Exam Retest Fee, if needed
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Three months of 240Tutoring prior to taking the initial certification exam
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Two months of 240Tutoring prior to taking the PPR certification exam
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Substitute costs for two weeks of student teaching
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Intern Certificate
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Standard Certificate
Will I have any out-of-pocket expenses?
Possibly. If additional test preparation or certification exam retakes are needed beyond what is covered by the program, those costs are the responsibility of the participant.
How does reimbursement work?
Participants will pay upfront for approved expenses, including 240Tutoring, certification exams, the intern certificate, and the standard certificate. Participants must submit receipts in PDF format to the MISD Education Foundation for reimbursement within 90 days of payment.
AFTER COMPLETING THE PROGRAM
Am I guaranteed a job with Mansfield ISD?
No. Completing the Frances Brownlie Scholarship Program does not guarantee employment with Mansfield ISD. You will need to apply and interview for teaching positions through the district's regular hiring process, just as other candidates do.
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Is there a time commitment to Mansfield ISD after I complete the program?
Yes. The Frances Brownlie Scholarship is made possible through donor support to help Mansfield ISD grow its own educators.
By accepting the scholarship, participants acknowledge their commitment to work for Mansfield ISD for two years after completing the program.
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What happens if I am unable to complete the program or fulfill the two-year commitment?
The Frances Brownlie Scholarship is a significant investment in MISD employees and is provided with the expectation that participants will complete the program requirements and, upon completion, work for Mansfield ISD for two years.
Participants are responsible for staying on schedule, completing all program requirements, and fulfilling the two-year employment commitment. Before accepting the scholarship, please carefully consider the time and commitment required to successfully complete the program and meet the obligations of the scholarship.
Additional information regarding program requirements, the two-year commitment, and participant obligations will be provided during the information meeting and throughout the program process.​
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Who do I contact for more information?
Main Contact:
Frances Brownlie Liaison
Jenny Roberson
For Reimbursements or Application Questions
Toni Glendenning
For HR Transcript Submissions
Kia Crosby
About the namesake, Frances Brownlie
Mary Keller Brownlie
Beloved Mother and Grandmother
December 9, 1923 - February 13, 2013
Frances was a loving mother and grandmother, a kind and true friend and an expert at baking chocolate chip cookies. She was known for her incredible work ethic, her ready laugh, quick wit, and kind spirit.
Frances was born in Minnesota, moved to California after graduating high school and proudly worked as a "Rosie the Riveter." Frances took great pride in her work repairing B-17s damaged in combat. Frances was married for 41 years and had two children. Her children and grandchildren adored her and are happy her legacy is continuing through this scholarship.
Her friends and family are sure that it would make Frances proud to be a part of bettering the lives of other individuals by giving them the opportunity to obtain their teaching certificate through the Mansfield ISD scholarship that bears her name.