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. Miranda Scoggan
Director
308-432-6329
rbrierly@zb-fc.com

Melissa Favaloro
Project Coordinator
308-432-6437
mfavaloro@zb-fc.com

Bobi Johnson
308-535-3704
start@zb-fc.com

Programs you can be Endorsed in:

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

Eligibility

You’re welcome to participate in the Para to Teacher 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. Paro Pro students will be monitored, advised and supported by a CSC advisor and coordinator 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.

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 II content test to graduate. Students must pass the 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.