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Paraeducator to Special Education Teacher Program

Pushing Educators Forward

Are you a paraeducator working in a Michigan school and ready to take the next step in your career? The Paraeducator to Special Education Teacher Program is tailored for full-time paraeducators, offering you the flexibility to work while you study and earn your teacher licensure. This fouryear, online program is 100% focused on special education to teach you the necessary skills to support students with learning disabilities, cognitive impairment, and emotional impairment. In years 2-4 of the program, one face to face class session on the campus of Alma College, per semester, is required.

Register for the program

Support Every Step of the Way

Given the significant need for special education teachers in Michigan, this program equips you with the expertise and experience to step into a rewarding, in-demand career. The Paraeducator to Special Education Teacher program is designed for the working paraeducator and offers personalized mentoring to help you complete the program. Paraeducators will earn credit for clinical experience requirements while at work.

This program is approved by the Michigan Department of Education and the Higher Learning Commission. 

Upcoming Events

Paraeducator to Special Education Teacher Informational Session

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Are you a paraeducator looking to become a licensed Special Education Teacher? Join us for a virtual informational session where we’ll introduce our unique opportunity to earn your Bachelor of Arts in Special Education through Alma’s Paraeducator to Special Education Teacher Program, all while continuing your full-time work as a paraeducator. This flexible, 95% online program is designed specifically for working professionals. Take the next step in your career with the right balance of online learning and hands-on support tailored for the working paraeducator.

Get to Know the Mild to Moderate Disabilities Degree

Meet the Faculty

At Alma, you'll benefit from small classes and close faculty mentorship. Find out more about your professors.

Explore the Curriculum

Learn more about the fundamental courses that will offer a roadmap for your academic growth and expertise development.

Program Timeline

Program Timeline

In the first year of the program, paraeducators complete online courses through Mid-Michigan College and 2 free credits at Alma College. In years two through four, student take classes through Alma College on a schedule designed for the working paraeducator to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Mild to Moderate Disabilities 

In the fourth year of this program, you’ll continue with online learning while preparing for student teaching. For the final semester, you step away from your paraeducator role to complete your student teaching in a special education classroom. 

Those who complete the Paraeducator to Special Education Teacher program with a 3.0 GPA can choose to continue their education through an accelerated Master of Arts in Special Education. 

Application Requirements

Application Requirements

To apply for this program, you must: 

  • Be 22 years of age
  • Provide a high school transcript or GED
  • Be currently employed as a paraeducator in Michigan 
  • Complete and submit the “Agree to Support” documentation from your school district confirming they will also support you during the program.

The deadline to apply for Cohort 1 of the Paraeducator to Special Education Teacher Program is March 1, 2025. 

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Scholarship and Financial Aid opportunities include:  

  • Paraeducator to Special Education Teacher Scholarship – Paraeducators who complete year one of community college classes with a 2.75 GPA or higher and maintain a “C” or better in all first-year classes will be eligible for a $33,000 scholarship towards year two. This scholarship is renewable for years 3-4 upon maintenance of a 2.75 GPA.  
  • Federal and State Aid – Paraeducators with family incomes under $36,000 annually can potentially complete the program at no cost through federal and state aid.

Alma College financial aid counselors will assist each applicant in estimating costs and completing required applications.

Have any questions?

Contact us today for more information.

Director of Master’s in Special Education; Associate Professor of Education
Peggy Yates
(989) 463-7166
yatespa@alma.edu

Admissions Office
800-321-ALMA
admissions@alma.edu