HCPSS Celebrates Latest Cohort to Complete Para-to-Teacher Pathway

May 26th, 2023

Twenty-three HCPSS paraeducators have earned their undergraduate degree and certification in elementary education from Bowie State University, becoming the first undergraduate cohort and the second cohort over all to ever complete the HCPSS’ para-to-teacher program. They are now eligible to become full-time teachers in the county.

The three-year para-to-teacher program consists of a series of classes and a year-long internship, providing participants with hands-on experience writing individualized learning plans (IEPs), conducting reading assessments, integrating technology into lessons, and writing lesson plans. Participants work as HCPSS paraeducators throughout the program, enabling them to maintain full-time employment while earning their degree. Participants are also able to avoid student debt, as the program covers their tuition.

“I am so proud of our paraeducators who have taken this opportunity to advance their careers in education,” says HCPSS Superintendent Michael J. Martirano. “They have risen to the challenge of working and learning and have come away with knowledge and skills that position them to be outstanding teachers in our classrooms across our district.”

HCPSS’ first para-to-teacher cohort graduated from Towson University in June 2022. Seventeen of those graduates were hired as full-time teachers and are currently working in HCPSS schools.

Two additional cohorts – one undergraduate and one graduate – are currently enrolled at Towson University and are expected to graduate in 2025. Upon graduation, the undergraduate cohort will receive a bachelor’s in elementary/middle special education; the graduate cohort will receive a master’s in early childhood, elementary, elementary/middle or secondary special education. Both cohorts will earn teaching certificates.

HCPSS’ para-to-teacher program is designed to create a pathway that reduces barriers and enables paraeducators who wish to advance their careers can become HCPSS teachers. The program is one of many professional learning opportunities HCPSS offers. It is also one of the many strategies the district is using to attract and retain a diverse group of talented individuals who are interested in careers in education.