P-TAP: Paraprofessional to Teacher Advancement Pathway
What is P-TAP?
P-TAP (Paraprofessional to Teacher Advancement Pathway) is an online innovative and flexible pathway intentionally designed by the University of Colorado Denver for working paraprofessionals across the State of Colorado to complete a bachelor’s degree with licensure in Early Childhood, Elementary, or Special Education.
In P-TAP, you will be immersed in an inclusive, supportive community that taps into your experience and passion for education. Throughout the program, you will be able to maintain your paid paraprofessional position to develop strong teaching skills and knowledge while completing courses online from wherever you live and work through our “boundaryless” approach.
Need More Information?
RSVP to an information session or request more information to connect with our faculty and admissions team.
Honoring Your Experience
Be recognized as a P-TAP Fellow to honor your unique role and experience as a working education support professional while you complete a bachelor’s degree with licensure in Early Childhood, Elementary, or Special Education.
Utilize your paid education support position (e.g., paraprofessional, interventionist, etc.) to meet the field experience requirements of the program. P-TAP staff will collaborate with you and your school/district to ensure your role is aligned to program requirements.
Flexible Course Access
Access and complete your courses from wherever you live through CU Denver’s “boundaryless” approach. All courses are either offered fully online or through Zoom after 5 p.m.
Relationships & Support
Engage with and receive ongoing support from exceptional faculty & staff from the moment you express interest in the program to the moment you walk across the stage at graduation!
Develop authentic relationships and a community of peer and staff support through the P-TAP Fellow Learning Community.
Access support and resources from our SEHD Success Center including 1-1 coaching, tutoring, academic and socio-emotional supports, and any help just navigating college throughout your time as a Fellow in the program.
Save Time & Money
Access grants and scholarships for aspiring educators.
Capitalize on credit for prior learning and professional experience where you can earn up to 15 credits from the School of Education & Human Development.
Transfer-friendly approach to prior college credits you may have already earned.
Take CU Denver courses through your district at a reduced tuition rate if you work in some of our partner districts with dual enrollment.
Admissions and Cost
Admissions Requirements
Our program seeks individuals who wish to teach as a career. We accept applications from incoming first-year students, current students at CU Denver, students transferring from community colleges or four-year institutions, individuals who are working as instructional paraprofessionals, assistant teachers, or developmental intervention assistants.
This program has rolling admissions, applications close per semester as follows:
- Spring: Dec. 31
- Summer: May 31
- Fall: July 31
Program Cost
Paying for college can seem daunting, but we are here to help! There are so many grants and scholarships for aspiring educators to help cover the cost of college and our staff can help you apply. In fact, many of our students can access enough free aid to cover their entire tuition bill. The first step is applying for FAFSA: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Also, you may learn more about undergraduate tuition and fees on the Student Finance website.
Application Support
Our friends at TEACH Colorado have free tools and resources to make applying to our program—and becoming a classroom teacher—easier! Create an account today and immediately access:
- An interactive application checklist to keep you on track.
- $100 fee reimbursement towards application and testing expenses.
- 1-on-1 expert advice for any question along the way.
- How-to guides for eligibility, applications, testing and finances.
- A chance to win a $1,000 scholarship toward tuition.
Choose CU Denver’s School of Education & Human Development
You can trust CU Denver to provide an education that will prepare you for your career as a teacher. We are committed to graduating the most qualified teaching professionals. Additionally, CU Denver’s School of Education and Human Development is counted among U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools,” making us one of the top education schools in the country.