The Para-to-Teacher Pathway is designed to build diverse teacher pipelines of candidates who are prepared to enter DPS classrooms equipped to design and deliver rigorous, culturally responsive instruction in anti-racist classroom communities.
The goal is to help break down barriers for current and future paraprofessionals in DPS to obtain their teacher licensure through established Teacher Preparation Partnerships.
We know that YOU have a huge impact on student outcomes because you come from our communities, you are already immersed in DPS culture with DPS students, and you are more likely to represent our diverse student population. Your journey to becoming a Teacher of Record can look similar to this:
Invest time and resources in developing a teacher workforce who is more reflective of our students.
Break down the barriers that prevent diverse candidates invested in our communities from enrolling in teacher preparation programs.
Ensure new teachers are prepared to design and deliver rigorous, culturally responsive content.
Denver Public Schools is excited to offer tuition assistance in the amount of $2,200/semester during the academic school year to paraprofessionals who wish to pursue licensure. Tuition assistance is contingent upon availability of funds and is only for Fall & Spring Semesters.
Review the DPS Paraprofessional to Teacher Tuition Assistance Terms & Agreements.
*MSU and WGU offer Master’s Programs, but DPS does not currently offer tuition support for those programs.
*DPS only contributes to the first year of Graduate Level courses
Must apply every year. You do not need to accept any offers, but you can see what you qualify for.
For undocumented individuals.
For DPS graduates within a year after high school graduation.
Applications are currently closed, but you can sign up for notifications for the future.
Sign up for a free account to get information about scholarships and other education opportunities.
To qualify for the Para-to-Teacher Pathway you need to meet the criteria:
Be a paraprofessional in a Title I school.
If you are not in a Title I school, exceptions can be made. These exceptions include if you are:
SPED content area
Secondary Math content area
ELA-S content area
Historically Marginalized individual (i.e. first generation and/or person of color)
Apply to the program that will best fit your needs.
Email teacherpathways@dpsk12.org when you are ready to start classes if you have not already heard from our team.
Enjoy your learning experiences!!
Remain enrolled in a teacher licensure program.
Meet the grades, enrollment status, and financial obligations of your university
If you are having difficulty, please reach out so we can support your learning.
We understand life can happen, if you have to switch roles, schools or pause school this can impact whether or not you are funded. A Learning & Development Specialist will be able to support you if changes happen.
Alternative Licensure can be an option if you already have a degree. DPS does not offer financial support for this option, but it can be a positive cost and time alternative.
We know that heading back to school isn’t easy, especially while working full-time. We are partnered with multiple teacher preparation programs so that getting a teaching license is more accessible to our paraprofessionals.
Metropolitan University of Denver (MSU)
Western Governor's University (WGU)
University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver)
University of Northern Colorado Center for Urban Education (UNC CUE)
For more information Bachelor's + Licensure Programs
University of Denver Teacher Education Program (DU)
Relay Graduate School of Education
*MSU and WGU offer Master’s Programs, but DPS does not currently offer tuition support for those programs.
*DPS only contributes to the first year of Graduate Level courses
For more information Master's + Licensure Programs
No. At this time, the Para-to-Teacher Pathway is designed specifically for paraprofessionals in the classroom setting to be part of education preparation programs and get their teaching license. There are more pathways in the works for other roles.
Transferology is the source the district recommends. However, some universities use any foreign credential providers approved by NACES or AICES and do not accept others. It is important that you check with the university or universities that you are interested in prior to starting this process to ensure you are using the correct program.