Para Educator Training (Teaching Assistant)
WHEN
Enrolls in Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer
9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Monday - Friday
Seven-week training
100% online 7 Week Course
WHERE
Offered through Holyoke Community College, this program is fully online.
WHAT
For those interested in working family-friendly hours as a para educator (also called a teaching assistant), this program can lead directly to an internship or employment with the Springfield Public Schools or other public school districts starting in the fall. The program also includes a job readiness and career exploration component.
You will:
- Gain education-specific knowledge, skills and qualifications necessary to be a Para-educator in Massachusetts public schools
- Get help preparing to pass the PCTA exam
- Have mentors to help you plan and achieve your goals and support your success.
For DTA qualified applicants, you may also earn a stipend of $125/week throughout the training and internship.
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible you must:
- Have a high school diploma or GED/HiSET
- Pass a CORI/background check/ fingerprints
- Be authorized to work in the United States
- Be able to pass the PCTA exam.
STIPEND ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible for a paid DTA Stipend, you must meet all the above requirements, and you must also:
- Receive TAFDC
LEARN MORE & APPLY
To learn more and begin the application process, click the APPLY button below. Once you complete and submit the Application Form you will receive an email within one week outlining the next steps in the application process. Submitting this form is the first step - it allows you to be considered for admission to the next no-cost 7-week online Paraeducator training. You must successfully complete the next steps to be offered admission. You may withdraw at any time or re-apply to a later training. We encourage you to apply when you are ready to go to work as a Para immediately after completing the 7-week training.
If you have questions after reviewing the Application Form, contact Andrew Baker, HCC Training Manager at: abaker1@hcc.edu
In partnership with Department of Transitional Assistance, Springfield Federation of Paraprofessionals, Springfield Public Schools and Springfield Works.
Click here for a program flyer.
