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Springfield Technical Community College
  • One Armory Square, Springfield, MA 01102-9000
  • 413-781-7822
  • Vocational Skills Training
Para Educator
Program activities:

The Educators’ Academy is providing a 9-week (108 hr) 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, and 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 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 toward employment as classroom teachers through STCC’s Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Transfer Programs.

For more information visit Search Results | STCC

Program is offered in: English
Participant demographics:

Individuals at least 18 years of age who have a high School Diploma or equivalency who want to work as a Para Educator in the Springfield Public Schools (SPS).

Anticipated number of SNAP participants per year: 10
Total hours: 12
Program duration: 9 weeks
Rolling Admission: No
Number of cycles: 5
Program start dates: July 2024, September 2024
Sample schedule:
HoursActivity TypeMonTueWedThuFriSatSun
5:45PM - 8:45PMClass
Is the program offered remotely? No
Is public transportation available? Yes

Location information:

One Armory Square, Springfield, MA 01102-9000STCC is accessible via public transportation.
Program requirements: CORI check, SORI check, High school diploma/GED/HiSET
Program is CORI friendly? No
Anticipated outcomes: ACT Workkeys Proficiency Certificate. National Career Readiness Certificate.
Other outcomes: Stackable Credential(s), Employment/Promotion, Basic skills gain, Industry skills gain

Participant Supports:

Participant Support CategoryAll participantsAs needed
DTA SNAP Child Care Referral
DTA SNAP Transportation Support
Test/License Fees
Books/Supplies
Are there any out of pocket expenses for the participant? No
Do participants receive any pay? Not applicable

Contact Information

Program Liaison: Danielle Morales
Telephone: 413-755-4893
Program code: STC-IH-VT-PE
ABAWD Qualifying? No