Para-To-Teacher Program (Parapro)

The Para To Teacher Program’s purpose is to provide school districts with an opportunity to cultivate and participate in the training of para-professionals employed within their districts who wish to continue their education to become teachers.

SEAP Classroom

For more information, contact:

Dr. Robin Brierly
Director
308-432-6329
rbrierly@ngskmc-eis.net

Melissa Favaloro
Project Coordinator
308-432-6437
mfavaloro@ngskmc-eis.net

Bobi Johnson
308-535-3704
start@ngskmc-eis.net

Programs you can be Endorsed in:

  • Special Education Generalist K - 12
  • Elementary Education K – 8
  • Early Childhood Inclusive Birth – Grade 3
  • Middle School 5th - 9th
    • English Language Arts
    • Mathematics
    • Science
    • Business
    • Family Consumer Sciences
  • Secondary Education
    • Natural Science 7th – 12th
    • Math 6th – 12th
    • Business 6th – 12th
    • Family and Consumer Sciences 6th – 12th

Eligibility

You’re welcome to participate in the Special Education Apprenticeship Program if you:

  • Are employed at least half-time as a para-professional within an accredited school district

Logistics

Completion will lead to a Bachelor of Science in Education degree and a teaching certificate with an endorsement. All courses are online but some will only be offered in specific semesters.

For the SPED Track, SPED courses will be offered in an 8-week format. For all endorsement areas, students can take as many credit hours as they are comfortable with after consultation with their advisor.

Participants will move through the program courses on an individual basis and their assignments will be tailored to their non-traditional experience. SEAP students will be monitored, advised, and supported by a CSC SEAP coordinator and staff who will facilitate the students’ progress.

Timeline

The schedule is divided into summer, fall, and spring semesters. Depending upon each student’s needs and higher education experience, participants will move through the program at their own pace completing their plan of study. Prior to enrollment in EDUC 300: Observation & Participation, students must take the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) test and pass it to obtain certification after graduation; this is a State of Nebraska requirement.

Student Teaching

At this time, participants will need to be released from a portion of their paraprofessional duties, so they can complete their required student teaching in a classroom with an assigned cooperating teacher. Participants will complete senior level courses and student teaching over one academic year. The student teacher will complete a 16 week student teaching experience during the Spring semester.

Graduation

Before graduation, students must take the Praxis I and Praxis II content test to graduate. Students must pass the Praxis I and Praxis II test to obtain certification; this is a State of Nebraska requirement. At the completion of the program, students will graduate from Chadron State College and apply for teaching licensure, resulting in a Bachelor of Science degree with a valid Nebraska  teaching endorsement. Interstate certification can be conveniently acquired.