Michigan’s Sepcial Education Paraeducators
Paraeducators work in a variety of classrooms, assisting teachers in a variety of subjects. “We are teaching and learning at the same time,” said a paraeducator from Bath, Michigan. “It’s another reason I love this career.”
Paraeducators help teachers with student instruction, behavioral improvements, and give support to students in and outside of the classroom. When working as special educators often work one-on-one with students who have special needs.
They also may work with students in a general education classroom and also support classes in a special education classroom. It’s a career filled with variety.
Michigan is ranked #1 for a Paraeducator Career
Source: Zippia.com 
Paraeducator Bootcamp
Associations to Support You
Start Your Michigan Special Education Paraeducator Journey
Step 1: Earn a minimum of an associate’s degree OR 60 credit hours from an accredited institution.
Step 2: Assessment.
- ETS ParaPro Assessment – required passing score of 460.
Step 3 (Optional): Gain experience working with children.
Volunteer to Gain More Experience!
Get hands-on experience and find a classroom near you that is in need of a volunteer!
Job Shadow a Paraeducator
To participate in a job shadow, reach out to a school district and request to job shadow a Paraeducator for a day.
Each school district has their own policy when it comes to job shadowing, but you may need a state ID or a driver’s license to participate.
College Program Information
Click a point on the map to find degree programs, scholarships, grants, and organizations to join!
Certifications
The ParaPro Assessment measures prospective and practicing paraeducators’ skills and knowledge in reading, mathematics and writing, as well as the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to assist in classroom instruction.
Online
Online
Special Education Paraeducator Educational Funding
Free College Opportunities
Allows students to earn college credit (up to 10 courses) while in high school at no cost between 9th-12th grade. The classes that students are eligible for must not be offered by the high school or PSA and must lead towards postsecondary credit, accreditation, certification, and/or licensing.
How to apply – Students are to talk with their high school advisor on eligibility, application, deadlines, and college course options.
A Michigan Department of Education approved five-year program of study.
EMCs work closely with certain colleges to provide students with an opportunity earn a high school diploma and one or more of the following:
- 60 transferable college credits.
- An associate degree.
- A professional certification.
- The Michigan Early Middle College Association (MEMCA) technical certificate.
- Participation in a registered apprenticeship.
The Michigan Achievement Scholarship is designed to help students pursue their dreams, goals, and aspirations in the Mitten State! Graduating high school seniors are eligible to earn a skill certificate or degree at their local community college tuition-free just by filling out the new and simplified FAFSA.
State Scholarships & Grants
Talent Together helps you become a certified teacher. The program also helps elevate the professional credentials of existing teachers with “add-on endorsements” and mentorship training to be a lead with “teacher apprentices” at the school district.”
Michigan Reconnect is a scholarship program that pays you to attend your in-district community college tuition free or pays up to the in-district rate if you attend a community college where you’re considered out-of-district. Applicants must be 25 years old to apply.
Amount: $10,000
Amount: $9,600 Stipend
Amount: $2,000 – $5,500
Federal Scholarships & Grants
Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you’re eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.You must apply for aid every year.
The Federal Student Aid Estimator provides an estimate of how much federal student aid the student may be eligible to receive. These estimates are based on the Student Aid Index (SAI), an index to determine federal student aid eligibility.
Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans are federal student loans offered by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to help eligible students cover the cost of higher education at a four-year college or university, community college, or trade, career, or technical school.
A federal grant for undergraduate students with financial need.
Direct PLUS loans can help pay for education expenses not covered by other financial aid. The U.S. Department of Education makes Direct PLUS Loans to eligible graduate or professional students through schools participating in the Direct Loan Program.
Grant for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need, administered directly by financial aid office at each participating school, not all schools participate
part-time employment while enrolled in school, available to undergrad, grad, and professional students with financial need, available to full and part-time students, administered by participating schools, emphasizes employment in civic education and work related to course of study or civic education, on or off campus
Paraeducator Story Tellers
Below are videos highlighting special education paraeducators throughout Michigan.
Find out why they love the profession.
How Michigan Paraeducators Support a Great Classroom
Debra Snyder
Clinton County RESA
Being in this rewarding career has a greater impact on this paraeducator than it has on her students.
Teacher Support Staff Keep Kids On Track
Mona Shores Public Schools
Teacher Support Staff Explained
Mona Shores Public Schools
Michigan Teacher's Emotional Flash Point
Bath High School
The moment when a Bath Michigan teacher sees how years of work change the lives of her community.
