Queens-Grown Upskilling Paraprofessional Program

QUEENS-GROWN UPSKILLING PARAPROFESSIONAL PROGRAM

The Queens College School of Education, in collaboration with LEAP to Teacher, is delighted to launch the Queens-Grown Upskilling Paraprofessionals Program, an initiative designed for full-time and substitute paraprofessionals and teaching assistants.

The program supports fellows in earning New York State Initial Teacher Certification with the goal of increasing educator diversity and strengthening community-based teacher pipelines. Participants will receive academic guidance and financial support while completing the requirements of an undergraduate teacher preparation program at Queens College.

Application to the program is open to paraprofessionals and teaching assistants who are currently enrolled or plan to enroll in an undergraduate teacher preparation program at Queens College. Recruitment for the program is ongoing, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply. The first cohort of participants is expected to begin in Fall 2026.

Objectives:
  • Prepare paraprofessionals and teaching assistants to serve as certified teachers.
  • Partner with public schools to address the growing demand for qualified educators who reflect and understand the underrepresented communities they serve.
  • Provide structured academic advising and mentoring support as well as clinical practice opportunities.
  • Help addressing the shortage areas in Bilingual Education and Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL).
Who should apply?
  • Current full-time or substitute paraprofessionals and teaching assistants.
  • Candidates who have NOT completed a Bachelor’s degree.
  • Current Queens College students who are enrolled in or are eligible to enroll in an undergraduate teacher preparation program at QC.
  • External candidates planning to enroll as undergraduate students at Queens College and enter a teacher preparation program at QC.
  • Candidates who are committed to enrolling in 9 credits of course work each semester for the duration of the program.

Prior to acceptance into the grant, applicants must be enrolled in, or eligible to enroll in, an undergraduate teacher preparation program at QC.

Program Expectations:
  • Commitment to earning 9 credits of course work each semester for the duration of the program.
  • Maintaining your employment as a full-time/substitute paraprofessional.
  • Attending required workshops and mentoring sessions.
  • Completing required clinical experiences.
  • Demonstrating commitment to serving diverse communities.
Program Benefits:
  • Financial support to cover in-state tuition and fees, instructional materials and certification exam fees.
  • Dedicated mentorship and advising.
  • Certification exam preparation and support.
Ready to apply?

Click the link below to complete the application form:
https://forms.office.com/r/hjjU152hur

For more information, please contact Laura Giatti at upskillingpara@qc.cuny.edu

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