The Educators’ Academy is providing a 10-week (120 hours) course to orient and prepare participants for the job of Para Educator in the Springfield Public Schools (SPS). The Para Educator, also known as a Teacher Assistant, works with teachers and other school staff to provide instructional assistance, classroom support, and implement effective classroom strategies to meet the needs of all students.

In this course, participants will receive bilingual instruction in the subject areas of digital and computer literacy, job readiness skills for educators, and test preparation to obtain the American College Testing (ACT) Workkeys Proficiency Certificate and the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). In addition, participants will complete a 15-hour classroom practicum, shadowing an experienced SPS educator, and receive career advice and tutoring. Participants may be eligible for transportation assistance to STCC and to the SPS building for the practicum.

Para Educators who successfully complete the course through the Educators’ Academy program (completing the practicum, obtaining the ACT Workkeys Proficiency Certificate, and the National Career Readiness Certificate) may earn a total of 2 credits transferable towards an Associate’s degree at STCC. Para Educators are encouraged to continue their education to develop their professional skills towards employment as a classroom teacher through STCC’s Early Childhood and Elementary Transfer Programs.

For more information visit our website at: https://www.stcc.edu/wdc/descriptions/wtea-001-para-educator/ 

For questions or interest in our current or future programs, please complete our Workforce Development Program Inquiry Form (LINK), and one of our Recruitment and Retention Specialists will contact you promptly