Presentation at the 2011 National Resource Center for Paraprofessionals Conference by Joy Kutaka-Kennedy and Melissa Ke.

1. Moving up the Paraprofessional Pathway NRCP Conference, Hershey PA May 2011 Joy Kutaka-Kennedy, Ed. D. jkutakak@nu.edu Melissa Ke, M. S. calimel6@yahoo.com National University, San Jose, CA

2. National University Background: NU received a federally funded grant (H325K070416), PSEP: Paraprofessional to Special Educator Pipeline, which assists paraeducators to either complete their bachelor's degree or their first teaching credential the grant exceeds its target of training 30 paraprofessionals to become special education teachers through either degree or credential completion NRCP Conference, Hershey PA May 2011

3. The Gift of Paras Dedication Expertise and flexibility Skills Dispositions Job ready Field tested, durable School savvy, community connected NRCP Conference, Hershey PA May 2011

4. Paras Make Excellent Teachers “battle hardened”- know what they’re getting into know how to navigate school system understand kids experience with teaching familiar with disabilities Very low turnover rate Smoother transition to career NRCP Conference, Hershey PA May 2011

5. Moving up: Challenges Faced by Paras Often have little experience with higher education Frequently the first in family to attend college Sometimes need a little or a lot of refresher on college skills Many are working parents who start out with volunteer work at schools Learn the job and develop skills as they go NRCP Conference, Hershey PA May 2011

6. Supports Needed to Succeed numerous challenges face paras wishing to move up the career ladder to a credentialed teacher position completing their undergraduate bachelors degree Learning how to access college resources Time management Tech challenges Navigating college Staying organized! NRCP Conference, Hershey PA May 2011

7. Graduate Programs Some states require credentialing or licensure at the graduate level Completing graduate program Credential/licensing program often offer an add-on masters degree Masters degree will add $1000-2000 stipend each year, depending on district & union contract Weigh cost/benefit for advanced degree NRCP Conference, Hershey PA May 2011

8. Credential/Licensing Requirements Varies state by state Research programs offered Compare time and cost to completion Evaluate likely time to completion, course offerings, sequence restrictions Know your state’s requirements Keep abreast of changes in requirements NRCP Conference, Hershey PA May 2011

9. Funding Resources Funding sources: Grants Scholarships Loans Financial aid offices Possible tax deductions of expenses (check with tax consultant) NRCP Conference, Hershey PA May 2011

10. Education Journeyin California Master Degree with Level 1 or Level 2 classes depending on school and particular program. Salary Stipend/Pay Scale - Bachelors or Masters + graduate class units State Requirement Changes - NCLB Requirements - Verification Process Programs NRCP Conference, Hershey PA May 2011

11. Transition Perception and Differences Smooth transition during first year of being a new teacher. Good Teacher/Para relationships. Good collaboration and relationships with Gen. Ed teachers. Administration and Department expectations are higher. Classroom Management (Nice vs. Fair) NRCP Conference, Hershey PA May 2011

12. Post Credential Possibilities Interview panel for new teachers at job site. Evaluator/Mentor for student teachers. Conference Speaker Recommended for Observation and Job Shadowing. Become a teacher trainer, conduct workshops Work at the administrative/district level Get your doctorate, write grants, help more paras get their credentials/licenses! NRCP Conference, Hershey PA May 2011