Education / Other
Alma teacher-training model underpins Michigan apprenticeship initiative
A five-year federal award of more than $1 million supports special education pathways for working paraeducators.
Status: source-checked.
Alma College said Nov. 6 that its program for working paraeducators is helping shape a statewide special education apprenticeship initiative backed by a five-year federal award of more than $1 million. The Michigan Apprenticeship Pathways for Special Education initiative builds on Alma’s Para to Pro program and its registered apprenticeship partnership with Alma Public Schools.
Para to Pro serves working paraeducators age 22 and older who want to become certified special education teachers. Students combine online coursework with weekend campus sessions for hands-on learning and direct contact with faculty. The college said the structure grew out of research into barriers paraeducators encounter when seeking teaching licenses.
The statewide initiative brings together Alma, three Michigan departments and the AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute. Participating districts can receive support for mentor development and training, while registered apprentices can be reimbursed for teacher-certification testing fees and other required program expenses. Participants may combine the college’s paraeducator scholarship with state and federal aid.
Alma Public Schools currently has six paraeducators registered as apprentices, the college said. Alma serves as a group sponsor, handling registration, compliance, competency tracking and reporting for participating districts. The college said it hopes to extend the approach to more Michigan districts; the announcement does not establish how many additional teachers will ultimately qualify.
What we know / what we don't
What we know
- A five-year federal award of more than $1 million supports special education pathways for working paraeducators.
What we don't know
- Source-reported plans and figures; no independent on-site verification.
The source record