Special Education Para Pathways Project

The OPI Special Education Para Pathways Project, launched in February 2025, is a groundbreaking initiative to address rural Montana's critical shortage of special education teachers. This program is designed to support paraeducators currently working in schools by providing them with a structured and affordable pathway to earning their teaching credentials in special education.  

Dawson Community College (DCC) is the Level 2 partner in this initiative. It offers specialized coursework, mentorship, and hands-on training to help paraeducators transition into fully licensed special education teachers. Through this partnership, DCC provides a flexible and accessible learning environment tailored to the needs of working professionals, ensuring that all Montana schools have the qualified educators they need to support students with diverse learning needs. 

Please visit the links below for more details on program requirements, eligibility, and the application process.

Benefits of the Para Pathways Project:

• Recruit and retain qualified professionals working with students with disabilities by providing multiple levels of licensure within Special Education.
• Increase skills of Montana paraeducators and educators working with students with disabilities
• Provide free tuition for eligible paraeducators* to enroll and complete the Special Education Technician Program Dawson Community College.

• Proposal for Montana Administrative Rule:  Upon completion of the Dawson courses, paraeducators would apply to be a certified Special Education Technician.

   

Level 1 - Online Modules and Incentive Pay

Paraeducators who currently work with students with disabilities in a Montana School District qualify for incentive pay for the completion of specific Level 1 Modules. To receive incentive pay, follow these steps:

• Must be currently be employed as a paraeducator in a Montana School District working with students with disabilities. 
• Register as an eligible special education paraeducator** in LRP by creating a login and indicate that you are participating in the Special Education Technician Track.

**OPI will verify employment status with your district and that you work with special education students.

• Submit a W-9 to Dawson Community College to receive payment(s). Any paraeducator who does not complete and submit a W-9 will not receive incentive pay. 
• Note: Only LRP modules included in this list are eligible for compensation ($20 per module) until annual funding is exhausted.  Paraeducators will only be compensated once for each module, maximum of $800 per person.

Level 2 - DCC Coursework

Application for Level 2—Para Pathways Project Special Education Technician (More Information Coming Soon- Pending Legislative Changes)

• Complete 40 specific LRP modules included on this list.
• Provide verification of a minimum of 1000 hours worked as a special education paraeducator in a Montana District.
• Complete enrollment application with Dawson Community College.  Coursework to be completed will include: 
  • EDU 201: Introduction to Education 
  • EDSP 204: Exceptional Learners 
  • EDU 222: Educational Psychology 
  • EDU 231: Literature and Literacy for Children
• Complete Tuition & Service Payback Agreement with OPI and Dawson Community College.

Technical Support

• All courses are fully online and asynchronous to accommodate paraeducators' work schedules.
• All four courses are commonly required courses at universities nationwide for teacher licensure.
  • A significant first step for a para who wants to be a teacher

Frequently Asked Questions

• Para Pathways Project Frequently Asked Questions - Coming Soon!