Career Growth
Paraeducators looking to grow within their careers are encouraged to pursue professional learning opportunities at the school, district, and state levels. These opportunities provide guidance and support while participants expand skills, deepen knowledge, and increase their impact in educational settings. Paraeducators are encouraged to speak with their administrator for available opportunities.
The Grow Our Own (GOO) Teachers Initiative supports current Hawaiʻi public school employees (such as educational assistants) who want to become licensed teachers. It provides financial support while participants complete an approved teacher preparation program and commit to teaching in Hawaiʻi public schools.
The Grow Our Own (GOO) Teachers Initiative at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is a partnership with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education that supports Hawaiʻi residents pursuing their initial teaching license. The stipend reimburses tuition costs for coursework required for teacher licensure while enrolled in exchange for a three-year commitment to teach in Hawaiʻi public schools.
Eligible UH Mānoa programs include the BEd in Elementary Education & Hawaiian Language Immersion, Post-Baccalaureate Certificates in Elementary or Secondary Education (including BAP), and the Master of Education in Teaching (MEdT, including BAM). Priority is given to current public school employees and candidates preparing to teach in HIDOE federal teacher shortage areas, helping strengthen Hawaiʻi’s local teaching workforce.
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Through a partnership with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, tuition stipends are available to support educators pursuing special education licensure at UH West Oʻahu. These stipends cover program tuition as well as the required SPED PRAXIS exam, helping to make licensure more accessible and affordable for eligible candidates.
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In partnership with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, Leeward CCʻs Teacher Education Program offers tuition stipends for two pathways to SPED Teacher Licensure:
Advanced Professional Certificate in SPED
Candidates who already have a Bachelors degree in any field
Covers all 19cr of tuition
After completion, you must commit to serve as a SPED teacher for ONE year in any HIDOE School
3+1 Bachelors of Science in SPED
Candidates who DO NOT have a Bachelors
Covers 15cr of upper division coursework at LCC and 33cr of upper division coursework at Chaminade University of Honolulu.
After completion, you must commit to serve as a SPED teacher for three years in any HIDOE School.
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In partnership with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, HawaiiUSA Federal Credit Union offers a professional support stipend for eligible DOE professionals and paraprofessionals. The stipend helps offset the cost of approved college coursework or professional development completed in 2025 and supports continued growth and career advancement.
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Paraeducators can explore current job opportunities across Hawaiʻi public schools. It provides access to positions that align with skills, interests, and professional growth, helping individuals make informed choices about their careers in education.