Para Educator

WTEA-001 Para Educator

Hours: 120
Fee: Free including books and materials
Instruction: In-person/Lecture

Program Description

The Educators' Academy is providing a 10-week (120 hours) course to orient and prepare participants for the job of Para Educator in the Springfield Public Schools (SPS). The Para Educator, also known as a Teacher Assistant, works with teachers and other school staff to provide instructional assistance, classroom support, and implement effective classroom strategies to meet the needs of all students.

In this course, participants will receive bilingual instruction in the subject areas of digital and computer literacy, job readiness skills for educators, and test preparation to obtain the American College Testing (ACT) Workkeys Proficiency Certificate and the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). In addition, participants will complete a 15-hour classroom practicum, shadowing an experienced SPS educator, and receive career advice and tutoring. Participants may be eligible for transportation assistance to STCC and to the SPS building for the practicum. 

Para Educators who successfully complete the course through the Educators' Academy program (completing the practicum, obtaining the ACT Workkeys Proficiency Certificate, and the National Career Readiness Certificate) may earn a total of 2 credits transferable towards an Associate’s degree at STCC. Para Educators are encouraged to continue their education to develop their professional skills towards employment as a classroom teacher through STCC's Early Childhood and Elementary Transfer Programs.

Program Details

Prerequisites/Requirements

  • High School Diploma or HiSET/GED Certificate or close to completion.
  • Students will need to pass a CORI/SORI check to obtain employment as a para educator in the local school district.

Fee:  Free including books and materials

*Additional Funding Sources

This course may be eligible for funding for qualified Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients as well as additional funding available under other grants. Please contact Lillian Ortiz at lortiz2403@stcc.edu.  

Section E31

Days: Monday - Thursday 
Times: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Dates: January 6 - March 18, 2025
Registration Deadline: December 31, 2024

Course Cancellation Policy

The STCC Workforce Training office reserves the right to cancel any course that does not meet minimum enrollment requirements.

Student Handbook Policies

As a participant in this program/course I understand that I am bound by all the rules, regulations, and policies of STCC as outlined in the Springfield Technical Community College Student Handbook.

Disability-Related Accommodations

In compliance with Springfield Technical Community College's policy and equal access laws, disability-related accommodations are available. Students who desire such accommodations should provide documentation of a disability to register with the Office of Disability Services (ODS). Proper registration will enable ODS counselors to verify the disability and determine reasonable academic accommodations

For questions or interest in our current or future programs, please complete our Workforce Development Program Inquiry Form, and one of our Recruitment and Retention Specialists will contact you promptly. For all other questions, please use the contact below.

The STCC Workforce Development Center
Building 27, Second Floor

Enrollment Process

To apply for this program, please submit the Para Educator Academy Registration Form, and we will contact you regarding your next steps.