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The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Bureau of Special Education, will be announcing the recipients of the Paraeducator Advancement Grant for Bachelor's Degree and PK-12 Special Education Teacher Certification soon.
Intermediate Units (IUs) are partnering with Pennsylvania Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) and Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to establish or expand opportunities for practicing paraeducators with associate’s degrees to advance their skills and knowledge of special education to earn bachelor’s degrees and PK-12 special education certification.
The overarching goal is to provide practicing paraeducators the opportunity to obtain bachelor’s degrees and PK-12 special education teacher certification at no cost while actively learning and working in their LEA.
Program Highlights
Paraeducator Advancement Grant for Bachelor's Degree and PK-12 Special Education Teacher Certification
Paraeducator Advancement Grant for Bachelor's Degree and PK-12 Special Education Teacher Certification
The Paraeducator Advancement Grant helps paraeducators become certified PK-12 special education teachers. Through this program, participants will have the opportunity to:
Take college courses at no cost
Earn a bachelor's degree
Apply for PK-12 Special Education Teacher Certification by the end of the grant period
Receive mentoring and instructional coaching from experienced special educators
Participate in summer field experiences
Complete all required program competencies within two years
Program Timeline
All program requirements must be completed by December 31, 2028.
Grantees
Interested in learning more? Contact the grant coordinators listed below for more information.
2026-2028 Grantees
2026-2028 Grantees
Grant Contact
Have questions or need more information?
Contact Tammy Bertel - Project Lead or Christine Moon - APR State Lead
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