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Parapro-to-Teacher Track
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<h1 class="page-title">Parapro-to-Teacher Track</h1>
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<h2 class="blue">The Parapro-to-Teacher (P2T) track is an innovative BSED pathway that allows candidates to become certified teachers while continuing to work as paraprofessionals.</h2>
<p><h2><span>Priority Application Deadline for Fall 2025 is March 1.</span></h2>
<h3><span>Programs</span></h3>
<span>Bachelor of Science in <a href="../elementary-special-education/index.html">Elementary and Special Education</a></span><br/><span>Bachelor of Science in <a href="../secondary-education/index.html">Secondary Education</a> with a track in English</span><br/>
<ul>
<li><span>With this degree, graduates can complete the GACE to gain initial certification from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (teacher licensing body in Georgia). <a href="https://www.gapsc.com/EducatorPreparation/ApprovedPrograms/EducationApprovedPrograms.aspx" rel="noopener" target="_blank">You may review Gordon State College's certification status on the PSC website.</a></span></li>
</ul>
<h3><span>Eligibility</span></h3>
<p><span>You must be a current paraprofessional working at a public school system. If you are interested in the program and are a paraprofessional in a private school, please reach out to determine if it is a possibility for your school.</span></p>
<ul>
<li>All students will be required to complete certain pre-courses before being accepted and starting the program. The courses may be transferred from other institutions or may be completed at Gordon. Students can choose the number of classes they want to take each semester. Courses are offered every Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May), and Summer (May-June, June-July).<a href="https://www.gordonstate.edu/documents/departments/academic-affairs/programs/elementarybsed2024081.pdf"> A list of the pre-courses required can be found in this document.</a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Paced for Purpose</h3>
<p>The P2T track begins in the fall and will take as few as two years of coursework to complete for qualified students. Paraprofessionals will be full-time students completing four or five online classes a semester while participating in field experiences. </p>
<ul>
<li><span>While in the program, you are in a cohort format and must take the courses in the correct semester. <a href="https://www.gordonstate.edu/academics/school-education/elementary-special-education/parapro-to-teacher-education-program/junior-senior-course-rotation.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The course rotation for the program can be viewed at this link.<em></em></a></span></li>
<li><span>In the P2T track, you will work with your principal to secure field placement in the correct grade bands. <strong>Candidates work with their principal to secure placement in the correct grade bands as listed below. Practicum hours should be completed in regular education classrooms. Parapro candidates should clearly communicate with the school principal about the program requirements and the MOU linked below.</strong> Practicum hours occur across these grade bands:</span>
<ul>
<li><span>Practicum I: 100 hours, grade K or 1</span></li>
<li><span>Practicum II: 100 hours, grade 2 or 3</span></li>
<li><span>Practicum III: 100 hours, grade 4 or 5</span></li>
<li><span>Internship: 600 hours, any grade K through 5</span></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><span>You may complete the fieldwork in the school where you are employed or another school in the county. <a href="https://www.gordonstate.edu/documents/departments/academic-affairs/programs/parapro-mou-2024-fillable1.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Once accepted into the program, parapros and principals must sign the MOU (see it here) agreeing to the field experience requirements.</a></span></li>
</ul>
<h3><span>How to Apply </span></h3>
<p><span>To be accepted into the education program, you will need to do the following:</span></p>
<ul>
<li><span><a href="https://gordonstate-uga.edu.185r.net/application/login/index.php?id=1" rel="noopener" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.gordonstate.edu/admissions/">Apply to Gordon State College!</a> <strong>Make sure to mark the Elementary Education or Secondary Education</strong> as the major.</span><br/>
<ul>
<li>If you are a transfer student, someone will evaluate your transcript after admission to Gordon State College to advise you of what courses, if any, you need before applying to the parapro-to-teacher track.<strong><span> </span>Application to the BSED program in <span>Elementary Education or Secondary Education</span> is a separate process.</strong></li>
<li>Complete all the required pre-courses with an overall GPA of 2.75 or higher.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.gordonstate.edu/documents/departments/academic-affairs/elementary-education-bachelor-program-application.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://www.gordonstate.edu/documents/departments/academic-affairs/programs/elembsedapplication2.pdf">Complete the Parapro-to-Teacher Application during your last semester taking pre-courses.</a>
<ul>
<li><span><a href="https://www.gordonstate.edu/documents/departments/academic-affairs/recommendation-form--gordon-state-college-education-programs.pdf">Complete THREE recommendation forms</a><a href="https://www.gordonstate.edu/documents/departments/academic-affairs/programs/elembsedapplication2.pdf"></a>. <a href="https://www.gordonstate.edu/documents/departments/academic-affairs/recommendation-form--gordon-state-college-education-programs.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank"></a>We suggest that these come from partner teachers or those who know your work in the school system. </span><span></span><span></span></li>
<li><span><a href="https://www.gordonstate.edu/documents/departments/academic-affairs/disposition-reference-form--gordon-state-college-education-programs.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Complete TWO disposition forms</a>. These should come from (1) the principal of the school in which you are employed, (2) another administrator- vice principal, counselor, curriculum specialist, etc. These should not be the same people from the recommendation forms. </span></li>
<li><span>Complete the Georgia Educator Ethics (360) course via the Professional Standards Commission - (required for all students completing a teacher prep program in Georgia). <a href="https://www.gordonstate.edu/academics/school-education/elementary-special-education/parapro-to-teacher-education-program/completing-gace-ethics.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">This document will provide the steps for registering for the Ethics (360) course.</a></span><span><br/></span></li>
<li><strong>If you are an out-of-state student, you must complete the <a href="https://www.gordonstate.edu/documents/departments/academic-affairs/programs/attestation-letter1.pdf">licensure attestation form linked here</a>. </strong></li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<p><span>Application documentation (which should include: application, recommendations, dispositions, & proof of GACE Ethics completion/scores) should be submitted to: </span><span>Dr. Stephen Raynie at <a href="mailto:sraynie@gordonstate.edu">sraynie@gordonstate.edu</a>.</span></p>
<h3>Tuition Assistance</h3>
<p>You may be eligible for educational funding through programs or partnerships with your school district. Check with your human resources department for details.</p>
<h3><span>Have questions?</span></h3>
<p><span>Watch the Program Overview Video below for more information or </span><span>Email Dr. Stephen Raynie at <a href="mailto:sraynie@gordonstate.edu">sraynie@gordonstate.edu.</a></span></p>
<p>This program is approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission to lead to a first Georgia Educator Certification in the field of special education general education / elementary education (P-5). Our programs are not designed to meet the requirements for certification for any other state.</p></p>
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<h4>Alumni Spotlight</h4>
<p><p>“I would advise prospective students that if teaching is their dream, this program can pave the way for their success. You may have considered numerous reasons not to pursue this path, but I urge you to focus on the one compelling reason to do it: for yourself. There are countless students out there who need a dedicated teacher like you to make a profound impact on their lives. Embrace the opportunity to become a Highlander and make a difference!”<br/><br/><strong>ALICA BEST, ‘23</strong><br/><sup>5th Grade Teacher, Orrs Elementary School</sup></p></p>
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