Alverno College Launches New Teacher Licensure Program for Paraprofessionals

May 24, 2017

Alverno College is launching a new teacher licensure program in the fall, aimed at paraprofessionals who have an associate's degree or at least 60 college credits. The new program can be completed in 24 months, and courses will be offered in the evening and online. For 130 years, Alverno College has been educating teachers, and our ground-breaking abilities-based curriculum is one that more and more school districts are adopting. Students in this program will have the advantage of experiencing the curriculum firsthand, learning from educators who are leaders in the field.

“We're excited to offer this new program that will allow professionals already working in the classroom to advance their careers,” said Patricia Luebke, dean of the School of Education at Alverno College. “Whether starting out as a paraprofessional or a teaching assistant, graduates of this program will be prepared to take their place in the front of the classroom.”

The bachelor's degree completion program is open to both men and women, and requires 60 credits to complete. There are opportunities to earn credit for prior experience, including classroom experience, relevant community or volunteer work, in-service training and other professional development. The program also includes an 18-week student teaching experience that paraprofessionals may complete at their current sites. Students who don't have the required 60 college credits at enrollment will have the opportunity to earn those credits. “We'll work with students individually to get them where they need to be to enter the program,” said Luebke.

The program will begin in August. An information session will be held on June 8 at 5 p.m., and is free and open to the public. For more information about the new teacher licensure program for paraprofessionals, please visit alverno.edu/admissions/degree-completion. To register for the on-campus event, please visit alverno.edu/admissions/degree-completion-info.