Paraeducator Certification

Today I am sitting at an educational conference for paraeducators. I am writing as I await their next break and my next opportunity to help someone learn how teaching certification can be within reach. With Granite State College's new undergraduate teaching certifications, as well as the Post Baccalaureate Teacher Certifications we can now make teaching certification a reality for more individuals. Granite State College can also help Paraeducators achieve Paraeducator II Certification with the State of NH with a five class sequence or an Associate's Degree.

I am excited to be able to tell prospective students that we can now offer teaching certification with a Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies in Social Studies, English Language Arts and Math Studies or a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. We are offering the same teaching certifications as at the Post Baccalaureate level:

General Special Education (K-12)

General Special Ed (K-12)/ Elementary Education (K-8)

Early Childhood Special Ed. (0-age 8)/Early Childhood (N-grade 3)

ESOL (K-12)

Mathematics (5-8)

Secondary Mathematics (7-12)

By specializing in the critcal shortage areas for teachers in NH, Granite State College is able to help individuals be more "employable" upon earning teaching certification. Para educators are so excited to hear that they do not have to stop working to take classes and earn certification. Both undergrad and PBTC programs are job embedded and field based, meaning that we want you working in a school or approved program during your time with us. Classes are available online, as field based or occasionally as face to face, so you can live anywhere in NH (and surrounding states) and complete your teaching certification.

Time to go and talk with some future teachers and tell them... how easy it is to get that teaching certification... that allows you to take that teaching position... increases your ability to positively impact the future of our children and schools... and furthers your career!

A prospective student finished her accuplacer assessment and was anxious to know the results. The scores were not easily interpretable. At a quick glance, however, I noticed that the placement recommendation was for Contemporary College Math -- which is one of the required courses for a degree at Granite State College. I pointed this out to her and we both practically cheered because she was so pleased to discover that she knows more than she thought she knew! 

This particular student, let's call her Miranda, works in a local elementary school. While she enjoys her role as a para-educator, she really wants to pursue Teacher Training Education. As a former high school dropout, Miranda didn't think she was equipped to go to college, but once she attained her G.E.D., she realized that she was thirsty for more. She decided to apply to GSC, the New Hampshire State College that offers Affordable College Study, and she's eager to start her Childhood Education Courses this fall.

Miranda wants to work with children that have special needs. At GSC, she will pursue a B.S. in Individualized Studies: English Language Arts --  which will enable her to meet the federal Highly Qualified Teacher requirement, and the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification in General Special Education. The reason Miranda chose GSC, she told me, was because she could continue to work in her chosen field while taking Evening College Classes. I'm willing to bet that she will also find, as I have found, that taking classes with other adults of all ages provides a rich educational experience. GSC is the college in the University of New Hampshire System that specializes in Adult Higher Education. 

The excitement Miranda expressed -- when she saw evidence that her abilities are indeed college-level -- is one of the reasons I love working at Granite State College. It's such a great feeling to watch someone's face light up at the realization of their possibilities! Our students are so invested in their education, because many of them already have real-world experience, and they are incredibly motivated to do well in their studies. They want the most out of their education. And we at GSC are here to cheer them on!

As an Academic Advisor at Granite State College in Conway, NH, one of my greatest joys is working with students, assisting them to open new doors in their lives.  It is so inspiring to see people of all ages design a better future through adult college education.

A few hours ago,  I met with a student who is about to turn 60 and has decided that she wants to get an associate's degree and become a Paraeducator.  She had heard that Granite State offered affordable adult college degrees and paraeducator certification.

"I love learning, and I miss being in school!" She stated as we began to talk.  She was alive with enthusiasm and her hopes for her future.  Her dream is to become a certified Paraeducator, and she feels that her ability to help children will not be hampered by being in her 60's. In fact, her life experience and years raising children will be a significant benefit in the classroom. Her oldest child is 35 and her youngest is 15, so she's had many years to hone her skills!  

It is never too late to be a life long learner. 
  

 

Have you always dreamed of being a teacher but worry that it's too late to for you to change careers? We hear that frequently. Harriet Richardson Ames is proof that there are no limits to lifelong learning. She realized her goal of earning a bachelor's degree at one of our sister institutions just three weeks after celebrating her 100th birthday.

Regardless of your age or educational attainment, the teacher training education programs at Granite State College offer the perfect pathway to a career in education from an entry-level para-educator through an advanced endorsement. Somewhere there's a blackboard waiting for you.

If you don't have a bachelor's degree, Granite State offers affordable college study at locations all around New Hampshire. Our adult online degrees make it possible to get a college education without leaving the comfort of your own home.

Isn't it time for you to pursue your dreams and goals? Our post-baccalaureate teacher certification programs will help you make a difference in the life of a child. The question is "what are you waiting for?" So call or write -- it's YOUR turn to realize your dreams.