"We're changing lives," says Alabaster City School District Superintendent Wayne Vickers who declares they're looking at a 99% graduation rate this year. Here's how he's turned the district from "good" to "great."

Turning paraprofessionals, parents, bus drivers and others into full-time educators is gaining momentum as one of the best ways to staff classrooms in an era of worsening teacher shortages.

"We know that one of the most important things we can do to help our students learn is to make sure they come to school consistently and make our families and communities strong partners in this effort," writes U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona.

The $1.25 million grant will award six students per year a scholarship that covers nearly 100% of their in-state tuition and other fees, including textbooks and housing. Better yet, the scholarship doesn't require students to commit to teaching in Texas out of college.