Issue #4 Fall 2009
Elementary School Paraprofessionals Earn Degrees in New Program by the School of Teacher Education and Leadership
Shannon Burgin, Academic Advisor and Coordinator of Recruiting and Retention, School of Teacher Education and Leadership

The School of Teacher Education and Leadership (TEAL) is committed to developing new and innovative programs to help address the impending teacher shortage in the state of Utah.  TEAL has also been responsive to local districts who have expressed a desire to stabilize the teaching staffs within districts by recruiting teachers from within the communities.  Furthermore, TEAL is continuously looking for opportunities to make higher education available to those who may not have had previous access. One way that TEAL is approaching these goals is with the Elementary Teacher Education Program for Paraprofessionals.

 The Elementary Teacher Education Program for Paraprofessionals is designed to allow the untapped teaching resource of elementary school paraprofessionals, individuals already working in classrooms aiding teachers, the chance to earn their bachelor’s degree in elementary education while continuing to work.  Admission to the paraprofessional cohort has the same level of rigor as admission for any student in the traditional Elementary Education Program. Applicants must have selected course work completed, have specific minimum scores on both the ACT and Praxis exams, finish and pass all  computer literacy exams, successfully apply for a background check, and take a speech and hearing exam. The only difference in the admission process comes with the replacing of the group interview (a traditional admission requirement) with a principal recommendation from the applicant’s workplace.

In order to make this program a reality, the faculty of TEAL, in collaboration with local district superintendents, realized that one key element was essential. Paraprofessionals must be able to continue their employment while earning their degree. When a principal submits a recommendation form, he or she guarantees that the paraprofessional will be able to complete any practicum in their current classroom, and further guarantees that student teaching, in the form of an internship, will be provided by the district. As this program matures, the group interview will be introduced as an additional admission requirement.

For many non traditional students, one of the greatest obstacles in finishing their education is completing all the required classes in the traditional Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. timeframe. The paraprofessional student works closely with his or her TEAL academic advisor in creating a plan that accommodates both employment and other outside commitments, while still meeting all the requirements for graduation that traditional students complete. A key element is the utilization of evening, online, and independent study courses to complete both general education and TEAL requirements.
The first admission included eight Logan students and three Uintah Basin students. Approximately 25 additional students are completing prerequisites for the program and are expected to apply July 2010. The potential for growth is great. Paraprofessionals have classroom knowledge and have already experienced the vetting process of working successfully in school districts.

Addressing the viability of graduates from the paraprofessional cohort, Chad Downs, former Deputy Superintendent for Cache Country School District, says, “Paraprofessionals majoring in Utah State University’s Elementary Education Program for Paraprofessionals have distinct advantages when they apply for teaching positions after graduation.   One tangible advantage is that they are well-known within the school where they are employed.  Participating paraprofessionals have had multiple opportunities to become well-known within their employment environment, while working at their regular job and completing their Elementary Education graduation requirements at a single school.  When administrators hire teachers they will often give preference to candidates they know, who have repeatedly demonstrated their competence during many months through their work as employees and student teachers.   A second advantage is the ‘word of mouth’ communication that takes place between administrative colleagues.   A paraprofessional cohort, because of their longevity within a particular school, has the unique advantage of their teacher qualities being known beyond the boundaries of their home school.  Again, this quality of ‘being known’ is a great advantage in widening the scope of opportunities when the new graduate seeks employment.  An additional advantage these graduates bring to their resumes falls into the category of life experiences generated through their employment.   Administrators actively look for teacher candidates who can bring an extra richness and depth to their classrooms through life experiences.”

By adjusting the class schedule, students who are currently employed as paraprofessionals in the schools are able to complete their degrees.  With the use of a non-traditional program construct and more accessible class scheduling, retention of students is greatly increased. TEAL representatives are highly optimistic about the future of the Elementary Teacher Education Program for Paraprofessionals, believing this is one in a series of unique programs that will promote both USU and the teaching profession. For additional information, please visit the Elementary Education Program website at: http://www.teal.usu.edu. To schedule an appointment with the academic advisor for this program, please call: (435) 797-0391.

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