Para Educator

WTEA-001 Para Educator

Hours: 120
Fee: Free including books and materials *Additional Funding Sources
Instruction: In-person/Lecture

*This course may be eligible for funding for qualified Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients as well as additional funding available under other grants. Please contact the STCC Workforce Development Center at 413-755-4893. 

Program Description

The Educators' Academy is providing a 10-week (120 hours) 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, 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 to 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 towards employment as a classroom teacher through STCC's Early Childhood and Elementary Transfer Programs.

Program Details

Prerequisites/Requirements

  • High School Diploma or HiSET/GED Certificate or close to completion.
  • Students will need to pass a CORI/SORI check to obtain employment as a para educator in the local school district.

Fee:  Free including books and materials

*Additional Funding Sources

This course may be eligible for funding for qualified Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients as well as additional funding available under other grants. Please contact Danielle at dmorales0002@stcc.edu. 

Section E41

Days: Monday - Thursday 
Times: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Dates: April 1 - June 6, 2024
Registration Deadline: March 25, 2024

Section E11

Days: Monday - Thursday 
Times: 5:30- 8:30 p.m.
Dates: July 1 - September 30, 2024
Registration Deadline: June 24, 2024

Course Cancellation Policy

The STCC Workforce Training office reserves the right to cancel any course that does not meet minimum enrollment requirements.

Student Handbook Policies

As a participant in this program/course I understand that I am bound by all the rules, regulations, and policies of STCC as outlined in the Springfield Technical Community College Student Handbook.

For questions or interest in our current or future programs, please complete our Workforce Development Program Inquiry Form, and one of our Recruitment and Retention Specialists will contact you promptly. For all other questions, please use the contact below.

The STCC Workforce Development Center
Building 27, Second Floor

Enrollment Process

Enroll Online

  1. Review the Prerequisites/Requirements above.
  2. Click the Enroll Now button below.
  3. Click the "Select" button next to your desired section. A window appears.
  4. Click "Add Section to Cart". A success message appears.
  5. Click the "Next" button in the top right corner.
  6. Enter your personal information.
  7. Please note, the course is free, but you will need to select Visa Payment during the check-out process. You will not need to enter card information.
  8. Click the "Submit" button.

Enroll Now

Enroll in Person

Go to Building 27, 2nd floor to register for the course or call (413) 755-4225.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP