SMETHPORT, Pa. – Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit IX (IU9) has chosen Northern Pennsylvania Regional College as the two-year educational provider for the Paraprofessionals Pathway Program. This program will begin in January at the beginning of the Spring 2024 term. This program is designed to assist current paraprofessionals in the IU9 service area with earning valuable special education preparedness and eventually a special education bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution.

IU9 partnered with NPRC as their community college partner because NPRC’s delivery model is flexible and accessible to students across the 10-county service area. Seneca Highlands IU9 includes 14 school districts in Cameron, Elk, McKean, and Potter counties. NPRC’s learning model can cater to students from across this region in different classrooms; making it possible for students from various communities to attend class at a location close to them.

The program was made possible after IU9 was awarded the Paraeducator Preparation Pathways grant funding through a program from Governor Shapiro. The grant provides 1.5 million dollars for paraeducators to enhance their special education credentials and knowledge. According to the grant, this initiative will create new special education career pathways for paraeducators; increase the number of practicing paraeducators earning certifications, and/or postsecondary credits/degrees; and increase the number of practicing paraeducators pursuing Pre-K-12 special education teacher certification through enrollment in a Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) approved special education Pre-K-12 certification program.

Executive Director of Seneca Highlands IU9 Brock Benson shared his thoughts on this new venture stating, “Seneca Highlands IU9 is thrilled to be awarded the Paraeducator Preparation Pathways grant. Paraeducators play an important role in our schools, and they are deeply invested in the local communities in which they serve. Providing them with a no-cost opportunity to pursue an associate degree will put them on the path to eventually earning a bachelor’s degree, along with Pre-K-12 Special Education certification. Given the current educator shortage facing our state, this is a creative way to increase the number of certified teachers in the IU9 service area of Cameron, Elk, McKean, and Potter counties. NPRC has been a tremendous partner in this endeavor as they have designed a program tailored for the needs and schedules of our paraprofessionals.”

The decision to support paraeducators in special education is based on data showing a growing gap between the number of professionals and students in these programs. From 2020 through 2030, the field of teaching assistants and paraprofessionals in Pennsylvania is anticipated to grow by seven percent, with over 4,600 jobs expected to open.

To accommodate the program, NPRC is announcing a new specialization in the early childhood education program in special education that will begin in the 2024-25 academic year. Students in the Paraprofessional’s Pathway Program will be eligible to earn 21 credits of the degree’s required 60 credits through a portfolio project. Through program completion, students will also demonstrate the core competencies for the Special Education Paraeducators credential developed by the Council for Exceptional Children; a nationally recognized organization of special educators.

NPRC’s Director of Applied Studies and Instructor of Early Childhood Education Leigh Anne Kraemer-Naser shares, “This grant allows NPRC to provide paraprofessionals in 14 school districts with a fully funded opportunity to earn the Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education with our new specialization in Special Education and Paraprofessional Practice. We are launching six new courses focusing on special education theory and practice, educational psychology, and assessment for learning. The grant-sponsored students come to NPRC with experience in the field as they work every day in the school districts. The College is excited to support them in the next step of their professional journey as educators and grateful that IU9 selected NPRC as their higher education partner.”

On Monday, October 23 from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday, October 25 from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m., representatives from IU9 and NPRC will be available via virtual information session to discuss this opportunity and answer questions that interested paraprofessionals may have. Questions regarding the program or attending either information session can be directed to Brock Benson by email at bbenson@iu9.org.

About NPRC: Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC) is authorized by the PA Department of Education to award associate degrees and certificates in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. NPRC is an open-admission, two-year institution of higher education. The College’s mission is to provide affordable and accessible post-secondary education to the residents of northern Pennsylvania. NPRC brings affordable education to a 10-county region (Cameron, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, McKean, Potter, Tioga, Venango, and Warren). With flexible scheduling options at numerous instructional locations, attending Northern Pennsylvania Regional is an excellent option for individuals interested in furthering their education close to home. With a growing team of high-quality industry-leading instructors directing our classrooms, students are empowered by a welcoming community to change their lives and brighten their futures. NPRC is a candidate for accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). https://regionalcollegepa.org.