Application Deadline–March 1, 2025
Alma College, in partnership with Mid-Michigan College, has a new Paraeducator to Special Education Teacher Program. This four-year, primarily online initiative is designed to help Michigan paraeducators become licensed special education teachers.
The program is tailored for full-time paraeducators, allowing them to work while pursuing a degree. It focuses exclusively on special education, giving participants the skills to support students with learning disabilities, cognitive impairments, and emotional impairments. After the program’s second year, participants must attend one face-to-face session per semester on Alma College’s campus.
The program begins with paraeducators completing online courses through Mid Michigan College in the first year and two free credits at Alma College. After that, students transition to Alma College’s Mild to Moderate Disabilities major, the first stand-alone special education teacher licensure program in Michigan approved by the Michigan Department of Education. This structure allows paraeducators to earn credit for clinical experience requirements through their current employment.
Financial support is a key component. Participants who complete the first year with a GPA of 2.75 or higher are eligible for the Alma College Paraeducator to Special Education Teacher Scholarship, which provides up to $33,000 annually and is renewable for the remaining years upon maintaining the required GPA. Additionally, paraeducators with family incomes under $36,000 annually may potentially complete the program at no cost through federal and state aid, such as the Michigan Reconnect program.
The application deadline for the inaugural cohort is March 1, 2025. Applicants must be at least 22 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, be currently employed as a paraeducator in Michigan, and provide documentation from their school district confirming support during the program.
Learn more about program author Peggy Yates, Director of Master’s in Special Education, Alma College, here and here.
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About OPTIMISE
OPTIMISE attracts, prepares, and retains diverse and qualified personnel to help advance individuals with disabilities (Birth to 26 years).
The OPTIMISE Task Force, Core Team, and Action Teams work with numerous partners, Michigan’s leading education organizations, and legislature to reduce barriers and align licensing for special educators. This work includes working with all levels of education to accomplish this goal.
OPTIMISE promotes twelve professions within Michigan’s special education field, steps to reach that profession, degree programs in the state, financial help with grants/scholarships, industry support, and a real-time job board.
Join a great group of dedicated people who help individuals with disabilities excel.
Go to: OPTIMISE.education
