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On January 20 and 21, the Paraeducator Board heard presentations, including:
- “Implementing the Paraeducator Certificate Program” report overview and an update on the reimbursement process via iGrants 918 (tab 4)
- 2020 paraeducator survey results (tab 5)
- Enhancing the collection of paraeducator data (tab 6)
For a complete review of the board meeting, including summaries for each agenda item, please visit the meeting material folder.
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Beginning February 2, 2021, you can take the ParaPro assessment remotely from your own computer at home or another secure location. Read the announcement.
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The Governor has released budget and policy proposals for the 2021-23 biennial budget, which includes proposed funding to continue two days of training for the certificate program. In order to secure funding, the Legislature must include the proposed funding in their budget.
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A “clock hour” is how Washington state measures educator professional development. To complete each part of the program, a paraeducator must earn the following number of clock hours:
- 28 clock hours: Fundamental Course of Study (FCS)
- 70 clock hours: General Paraeducator Certificate
- 20 clock hours: Subject Matter Certificate
- 75 clock hours: Advanced Paraeducator Certificate
Learn more about clock hours in the certificate program.
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Paraeducator Board members are excited to convene a second listening session with paraeducators on March 23, from 4 to 6 p.m. The event will provide paraeducators an opportunity to have open conversation with board members in virtual breakout sessions. We will announce registration information and event details in the coming weeks.
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Did you know?
If you hold a valid Title 181 certificate, you are only required to complete the Fundamental Course of Study (FCS). Once the FCS is complete, you are considered to have met the general certificate requirement. You are then only responsible for completing filing requirements with OSPI to attain the certificate. Learn more.
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Paraeducators may use professional growth plans (PGP) towards various components of the certificate program.
What is a PGP?
PGPs are job-embedded, self-directed professional development. To complete a PGP, paraeducators set their own goals, align them to the paraeducator standards of practice, design an action plan, and collect evidence documenting their growth towards achieving their goals. Paraeducators then reflect on the process. There is no cost for a paraeducator to complete a PGP.
How can I use PGPs for my professional development?
Paraeducators can use PGPs to help earn or renew certificates as follows:
- General certificate: only one PGP may be completed to help meet the requirements.
- Subject matter certificates: a PGP can be used to renew a subject matter certificate, although it may not be completed to renew one.
- Advanced certificate: PGPs may be completed to both earn and renew the advanced certificate.
Learn more about PGPs, including sample paraeducator PGPs.
Have questions about PGPs? Contact Leiani Sherwin for more information at leiani.sherwin@k12.wa.us.
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Washington recognizes your established career by offering efficient, convenient, and affordable routes to teaching, and Teachwa.org is now available to help you better understand your options. Teachwa.org provides information on pathways into teaching, financial aid options, and an overview of the certification process.
Visit teachwa.org to learn more.
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The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) administers several conditional scholarships that provide financial aid for individuals interested in earning a teaching certificate. Conditional scholarships are distributed as a loan. Once you have earned your teacher certificate, you must serve as a teacher for a specified length of time for the loan to be forgiven as a scholarship. Learn more about these conditional scholarship opportunities.
Pipeline for paraeducators conditional scholarship - accepting applications now
This conditional scholarship supports paraeducators and Recruiting Washington Teachers alumni who want to become teachers by providing financial aid for the completion of an Associate of Arts degree. You can apply at any time as there is no deadline.
Teacher shortage conditional scholarship – next application opens in spring 2021
This conditional scholarship provides financial support to encourage people to become teachers in shortage areas. It is available to those who are accepted into and maintain enrollment in a PESB-approved teacher preparation program leading to an initial teacher certificate and plan to pursue an endorsement in a shortage area.
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- Yukari Amos
- Omar Escalera
- Lisa Markussen
- Cindy Rockholt
- Laura Rogers
- Lizzy Sebring
- Loren Sickles
- Cathy Smith (Chair)
- Jamie Wells
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- May 19-20 | Hampton Inn in Richland
- July 14-15 | TBD
- September 15-16 | TBD, Spokane
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