Para-To-Teacher Programs

  • Teacher

     

    The Teacher Pathways & Development team is here to support you in making these important decisions as you pursue a teaching career in Denver Public Schools.

    Denver Public Schools is excited to offer tuition assistance in the amount of up to a maximum of $2500/semester to paraprofessionals who wish to pursue licensure through one of our paraprofessional-to-teacher partner programs! To take advantage of this opportunity, please review the DPS Paraprofessional to Teacher Tuition Assistance Terms & Agreements. Next, learn more about each of the Para-to-Teacher licensure programs by clicking below. Finally, complete the DPS Paraprofessional to Teacher Interest Form once you have reached out to programs to express interest and learn more about enrollment. Thank you for the work you do every day to support students across the Denver Public Schools. We can’t wait to support you with heading back to school!

    Please contact teacherpathways@dpsk12.org if you have questions or require additional assistance.

    Tuition assistance is contingent upon availability of funds. Terms and agreements apply.

    Check out the para-to-teacher programs below

  • CU Denver NxtGEN

    University of Colorado Denver NxtGEN Teacher Residency

    The University of Colorado Denver NxtGEN Teacher Residency is an innovative partnership between the University of Colorado and Denver Public Schools (DPS) that prepares and supports the next generation of diverse and talented teachers. During the first three years, participants work as half-time paraprofessional interns while receiving support and coaching from the university and in the final year become full-time student teacher residents in a DPS classroom. *Scholarships available

    • Work as a part-time para in the AM; attend classes in the PM 
    • Complete year-long residency in final year 
    • Program Contact: Chris Ricciardi 

              CHRIS.RICCIARDI@UCDENVER.EDU

              NxtGEN: Get Paid While You Learn to Teach

  • UNCO Center for Urban Education

    University of Northern Colorado Center for Urban Education

    The UNC Center for Urban Education offers a four-year course of study that provides a well-rounded college education while preparing candidates for the classroom. Participants work and study simultaneously, spending mornings in a classroom teacher apprenticeship position while taking courses aligned to their major/licensure program in the afternoons. *Scholarships available

    • Work as a part-time para in the AM; attend classes in the PM 
    • Complete 10 weeks of student teaching in final semester 
    • Program Contact: Rosanne Fulton

              Rosanne.Fulton@unco.edu

              www.unco.edu/UrbanEd

  • Western Governors University (WGU)

    Western Governors University

    Western Governors University, offers full or part-time DPS paraprofessionals the opportunity to continue working in the classroom while completing their B.A. degree through online coursework. The program is ideal for a candidate that has some level of college credit, particularly those who have earned an Associate’s Degree. *DPS employees receive 5% off of tuition. Scholarships also available.

    • All coursework is online 
    • Choose how many hours you work per week and how many credits you take at a time
    • Program Contact: Constance Kronlund

              Tim Haverkamp - tim.haverkamp@wgu.edu 

              www.wgu.edu/DPS

  • Western Governors University (WGU)

    Western Governors University

    Western Governors University, offers full or part-time DPS paraprofessionals the opportunity to continue working in the classroom while completing their B.A. degree through online coursework. The program is ideal for a candidate that has some level of college credit, particularly those who have earned an Associate’s Degree. *DPS employees receive 5% off of tuition. Scholarships also available.

    • All coursework is online 
    • Choose how many hours you work per week and how many credits you take at a time
    • Program Contact: Constance Kronlund

            Tim Haverkamp - tim.haverkamp@wgu.edu

              www.wgu.edu/DPS

  • Relay Graduate School of Education

    Relay Graduate School of Education 

    Relay Graduate School of Education Denver (Relay Denver) offers a low-cost opportunity for paraprofessionals who already hold a Bachelor’s degree to become a licensed teacher, all while earning a salary while you learn. The DPS partnership with Relay Denver allows eligible paraprofessionals to complete the Relay Teacher Residency Program at a very affordable price. You’ll participate in a supportive preparation program, earn a teaching license, and complete a Master’s Degree, all in two years.

    • Work as a full-time para 
    • Complete coursework online and in-person one afternoon per week 
    • Receive license after year 1; MA after year 2 
    • Program Contact: Katie Hawkes

              khawkes@relay.edu

              http://rly.gs/para

              Informational Video

  • University of Denver

    Urban Teacher Fellows (UTF) is a scholarship program. Fellows receive a reduction in DU tuition costs and train in DPS schools. UTF recipients are part of the broader DU Teacher Education Program (TEP) cohort. Para-to-Teacher candidates receive the UTF scholarship and complete the program in two years while working as a paraprofessional in DPS. Para-to-Teacher candidates may be eligible for an Educator Intern position. 

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