ParaPreppED Supports Paraprofessionals and Substitute Teachers On Their Path to Becoming Full-Time Certified Teachers

School support staff are intelligent and motivated individuals. Nearly all substitute teachers are dedicated to staying in K-12 education, and paraprofessionals want more out of their careers. For example, only 20 percent say they are satisfied with their professional development opportunities.

ParaPreppED is a program created to tap into that motivation. An NJDOE-funded teacher apprenticeship initiative, ParaPreppED helps districts support college-degree-holding paraprofessionals and substitutes in becoming full-time licensed K-12 teachers. Resources from the Teacher Apprenticeship Network provide additional support for Rutgers Graduate School of Education to partner with districts to promote the apprenticeship, establish new USDOL-approved teacher registered teacher apprenticeship programs, and recruit talent.

Teacher shortages are particularly challenging in critical subjects such as math, science, bilingual education, ESL and special education. To address these challenges, ParaPreppED provides the support paraprofessionals and substitutes need to become full-time licensed teachers, helping districts prepare in-house support personnel to fill critical roles.

Greg Del Russo, a former teacher and current district leader at iLearn Schools, has experienced many changes in public education during his multi-decade career. Still, one thing has remained the same over the years: the important role of support staff in schools.

“I've seen that teachers' aides and substitute teachers are more valuable and play an even larger part in student learning than most people likely realize.”
 

ParaPreppED makes pursuing certification manageable
 

There are many reasons why a substitute teacher or paraprofessional may put off becoming a certified full-time teacher. They may need help knowing where to start or be intimidated by adding coursework to their work schedule, for example.

“Many teachers' aides have reported wanting to take on more responsibilities in the classroom, supporting the teacher both academically and behaviorally in small groups and centers especially,” Del Russo said. “Many teachers' aides also express wanting to be team players in the classroom by team-teaching, working closely with students to give targeted support, and by assisting teachers in designing and reflecting upon lesson plans and assessments.”

Del Russo's support represents the collaboration and partner network needed to make ParaPreppED a success. In addition to iLearnSchools, ParaPreppED works with New Brunswick Public Schools, College Achieve Paterson CS, Camden County Ed Services Commission, Roselle Public Schools, and Bound Brook School District to support instructional support staff in becoming full-time licensed K-12 teachers. The 2023 New Jersey Department of Labor GAINS Grant awardee Teacher Apprenticeship Network is a key collaborator on this grant and will help provide essential technical support for districts seeking registered apprenticeship status and to individuals seeking pathways into the teaching profession.

ParaPreppED exists to reduce intimidation and promote confidence in substitute teachers and paraprofessionals interested in becoming certified full-time teachers. A registered teacher apprenticeship program, ParaPreppED is supported by a $400,000 New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) grant, awarded to Rutgers Graduate School of Education. The financial support not only provides support for program participants but also makes certification free or low-cost.

“The Teacher Apprenticeship Program will be a game changer, helping to break down barriers to entry for paraprofessionals and classroom aides who want to become certified teachers and have already proven their passion for teaching the next generation,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement.

Instead of learning in a classroom setting, ParaPreppED leverages the experience substitute teachers and paraprofessionals have by creating a path to teacher certification unique to them. 

A unique advantage
 

Working in a classroom provides the foundational experience needed to be a successful educator. Substitute teachers and paraprofessionals working in classrooms full-time are already receiving hands-on training, which is why teacher certification is a natural next step.

“Long-term substitutes essentially take on the role of a lead teacher for an extended time period, too, and are especially key players in driving students' growth,” Del Russo said.

All that’s left is going through the appropriate channels.

ParaPreppED’s format caters to those advantages, making the appropriate channels easy for paraprofessionals and substitute teachers to reach.

“This apprenticeship program carves out a career pathway for the next generation of professional educators who will lead New Jersey classrooms and deliver quality education to our students,” Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development Robert Asaro-Angelo said in a statement.

By creating customized pathways, ParaPreppED helps districts support college-degree-holding paraprofessionals and substitutes in becoming full-time licensed K-12 teachers.

Overall, the program aims to:

• Increase the number of Registered Teacher Apprenticeships in the state; 
• Expand the teacher pipeline, leveraging the existing district talent; 
• Address barriers for aspiring teachers through targeted support like Praxis prep; and 
• Conduct and disseminate ongoing research on the implementation and impact of the initiative.

“Teachers' aides and substitute teachers truly make a great difference as key supports of student learning,” Del Russo said.

If you’re considering following your dream of teaching, Rutgers Alternate Route can offer you the support and training you need to succeed. Be sure to follow Rutgers Alternate Route on Twitter and sign up for Alternate Route’s monthly newsletter for more information and stories from the field of education.