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Are you a paraprofessional working with students with disabilities? -
Do you desire to achieve more with your passion for the classroom? -
Do you already have an A.A. degree or Bachelor's degree?
If you answered yes to all three questions, the Para to Teacher Tuition Support Program can help make your dream of teaching become a reality. This "Grow Your Own" program provides financial assistance for paraprofessionals who are currently working in Florida’s public schools to earn a degree in special education, deaf education, or visual disabilities. The program will provide tuition, textbook, and FTCE support through annual funding from the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services. Upon completion of the program, participants agree to fulfill a service obligation and teach students with disabilities in a Florida public school.
Prior to requesting tuition support, an applicant must enroll in a special education degree program that leads to initial certification at an elligible state of Florida college or university of choice. Please see the interactive map below for eligible Florida colleges and universities. The applicant should follow the admission policy and course registration procedures for that institution. Upon successful completion of that institution’s registration process, an applicant may apply to the tuition support program. Please note a complete application does not guarantee admission for the tuition support program.
For questions regarding the Para to Teacher Tuition Support Program, contact paratoteach@uwf.edu.
Qualifications
To be accepted in the Para to Teacher Tuition Support Program, applicants must be employed as a paraprofessional or working with students with disabilities in a Florida public school or charter school AND meet all of the criteria listed below for the applicable level.
Bachelor's (Undergraduate Level)
- earned at least an Associate of Arts degree with a minimum overall 2.5 GPA
- passed all portions of the General Knowledge Test prior to applying
- admitted to a special education teacher preparation program (includes deaf education and visual disabilities) leading to initial certification at one of the state approved colleges or universities
Master's (Graduate Level)
- earned at least a Bachelor's degree in non-education field with a minimum overall 3.0 GPA
- admitted to a graduate special education teacher preparation program (includes deaf education and visual disabilities) leading to initial certification at one of the state approved colleges or universities
Florida Colleges and Universities Offering Special Education Degrees
Select an area on the Florida map to access links to colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s programs in special education.
Testimonials
The Para to Teacher Tuition Support Program removed the financial barrier that might otherwise
have prevented me from pursuing my dream of becoming an ESE teacher.
Going to college as an adult can be a financial and time-consuming burden, but the Para to
Teacher
Program helps alleviate that.
The support I have received from this program has allowed me to continue my education without
having to worry about finances. I am so grateful!”
Paraprofessional Resources
FDOE GKT Resources
Further resources to help you prepare for the General Knowledge Test and other certification exams are available through Pearson. Test prep strategies, tutorials, and sample questions can be accessed through the teacher certification examination website.
Paraprofessionals Supporting Students with Disabilities Course
This non-credit course provides paraprofessionals with information related to their roles and responsibilities, special education and the law, understanding of disabilities served under IDEA, Florida models of support in special education, the IEP process, student and behavioral challenges, and how to support the instructional process. You can register for free on the BEESS Portal site, under Independent Study courses.
State and National Resources
