Program Details

What you'll learn

The University of Colorado Denver's Pathways2Teaching paraprofessional certificate program will begin your journey as an educator. This certificate program provides high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to earn transferable college credits toward a teacher education degree. The curriculum of the certificate provides students with a foundational understanding of social justice and equity issues in education.

In this program, students will:

• Critically examine historical and contemporary issues in education
• Become knowledgeable in socially just education, special education and logistically diverse education
• Be introduced to scholars and mentors of color in each field of study
• Gain field experience in local elementary schools
• Cultivate readiness and research skills needed for college and the workforce

Upon completing this two-year program, students will be given preferential hire as paraprofessionals in their school district. For students who need to work while in college, this provides an opportunity to stay engaged and motivated while completing their degree. Once students receive their teaching license, they will have the potential to be hired by their home school district. Many graduates are now enrolled in teacher education programs across the country or in related fields such as social work.

Choose CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development

You can trust CU Denver to provide an education that will prepare you for excellence in your future career. We have a name that is recognized for preparing leaders of excellence who value diversity and inclusion.

Courses

This certificate is designed as a three?course sequence, totaling nine credit hours, and may be earned in two years. Courses must be taken in sequence and students can begin the series in their junior years.

Required 9 credits (3 courses)

11th grade yearlong course

UEDU 1930 - Introduction to Socially Just Education

This course examines sociological issues concerning urban schools and communities. It provides an overview of school culture, diversity and social realities in American schools. Students will critically examine education issues that affect their lives, their community and classrooms throughout the country. 3 credits

12th grade fall semester

SPED 1030 - Understanding (dis)Ability in Contemporary Classrooms

This course provides an overview of special education by examining the history of special education, construction of dis/ability, characteristics of individuals with disabilities, aspects of disproportionality and introduction to evidence-based instructional practices. 3 credits

12th grade spring semester

CLDE 1030 - Introduction Language Development of Multilingual Learners

This course provides an overview of how languages are learned and used in day-to-day life. It focuses on the complexities and variations in registers, dialects and languages as an essential part of human communication in the context of power and privilege in the larger society. 3 credits