Application Deadline–April 15, 2025
Alma College, in partnership with Mid-Michigan College, has a new Paraeducator to Special Education Teacher Program. This four-year, primarily online initiative helps Michigan paraeducators become licensed special education teachers.
The program supports full-time paraeducators by allowing them to work while earning 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.
Paraeducators begin the program by taking online courses through Mid Michigan College during the first year. They also receive two free credits at Alma College. After completing the first phase, students move into Alma’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 become eligible for the Alma College Paraeducator to Special Education Teacher Scholarship. This scholarship provides up to $33,000 per year and is renewable if the GPA requirement is maintained.
Additionally, paraeducators with family incomes under $36,000 annually may qualify to complete the program at no cost by using federal and state aid, including the Michigan Reconnect program.
The application deadline for the inaugural cohort is April 15, 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 collaborate with numerous partners, including Michigan’s leading education organizations and the legislature, to reduce barriers and align licensing for special educators. This work involves collaboration with all levels of education to achieve this goal.
OPTIMISE promotes twelve professions within Michigan’s special education field, steps to reach those professions, 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
