Para to Teacher Tuition Support for Exceptional Student Educators
Are you a paraprofessional working with students with disabilities?
Do you desire to achieve more with your passion for the classroom?
Do you already have an A.A. degree or Bachelor's degree?
If you answered yes to all three questions above, the Para to Teacher Support Program can help make your dream of teaching a reality. This "Grow Your Own" program provides financial assistance for paraprofessionals who are currently working in Florida public schools and want to earn a degree in special education, deaf education, visual disabilities.
The program provides financial assistance through annual funding from the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, and includes tuition support, textbook assistance, and FTCE support.
Upon completion of a degree, participants agree to fulfill a service obligation as a special education teacher and teach students with disabilities in a Florida public school.
How to Apply before requesting tuition financial support, applicants must:
- Enroll in a special education degree program leading to initial certification at an eligible Florida college or university
- Review eligible institutions - see the interactive map below for eligible Florida colleges and universities
- Meet college or university admission requirements
- Follow the institution’s admission policies
- Complete course registration procedures
- Pass the General Knowledge Test (GKT)
- Apply for financial support from the Para to Teacher Program
After completing the institution’s registration process, you may apply to the Para to Teacher Tuition Support Program.
Note: Submitting a complete application does not guarantee acceptance for tuition support. Contact paratoteach@uwf.edu with any questions.
Qualifications
To be accepted in the Para to Teacher Tuition Support Program, applicants must be employed as a paraprofessional or working with students with disabilities in a Florida public school or charter school and meet all of the criteria listed below for the applicable level.
- Earned at least an Associate of Arts degree with a minimum overall 2.5 GPA
- Passed all portions of the General Knowledge Test prior to applying
- Admitted to a special education teacher preparation program (includes deaf education and visual disabilities) leading to initial certification at one of the state approved colleges or universities
Undergraduate Online Application
- Earned at least a Bachelor's degree in non-education field with a minimum overall 3.0 GPA
- Admitted to a graduate special education teacher preparation program (includes deaf education and visual disabilities) leading to initial certification at one of the state approved colleges or universities
Florida Colleges and Universities Offering Special Education Degrees
The Para to Teacher Support Program is a statewide initiative and is not exclusive to the University of West Florida. The program serves eligible participants across Florida, regardless of the institution they attend or plan to attend. UWF hosts this website for program administration and information.
FDOE GKT Resources
Further resources to help you prepare for the General Knowledge Test and other certification exams are available through Pearson.
Test prep strategies, tutorials, and sample questions can be accessed through the teacher certification examination website.
Paraprofessionals Supporting Students with Disabilities Course
This non-credit course provides paraprofessionals with information related to their roles and responsibilities, special education and the law, understanding of disabilities served under IDEA, Florida models of support in special education, the IEP process, student and behavioral challenges, and how to support the instructional process.
You can register for free on the BEESS Portal site, under Independent Study courses.
Paraprofessionals Supporting Students with Disabilities Course
State and National Resources
This site was developed through funding provided by the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, through federal assistance under IDEA, Part B.