Para-Professional Educator Certificate

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This certificate is designed for students who would like to work with children, levels 4K-12^th grades. According to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, Para-Professional Educators are required to have at least 48 academic degree credits in higher education in order to be employed by most school districts. This 48-credit certificate combines hands-on practicum experiences in the schools while also completing coursework covering theories of child development, diversity in the classroom, classroom management and teaching strategies. Students completing this certificate have been successfully employed as teacher’s aides, special education assistants, after-school group leaders, day camp crew leaders, assistant coaches, and day care providers.

Certificate Requirements

This certificate requires 48 credits.

Required Courses

Courses marked with an * are recommended; however, Education courses can be substituted depending on the individual career goals of the student.

General Education Electives (2-3 credits)

Any General Education course(s) that fulfill any General Education requirement

Foundations in the Field (9 credits)

ED 399 - Cutting Edge Practicum Experience Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 2 to be taken at least four times, for a minimum of 8 credits total
ED 404 - Job Search Strategies for Jrs. Srs. Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 1

Foundations in Education (3 credits)

ED 200 D - Ed & Identity in Plralistic Society Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 3

Education Electives (at least 22 credits)

Any ED prefix OR General Education elective courses (to be selected with Cutting Edge Staff)

Edgewood College Mission & Vision (at least 6 credits)

Select any COR 1 course.

AND

Select any COR 2 course.

Additional Cutting Edge Requirements

ED 090 - Skills for Success Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 3 (a minimum of four times)
OR

All of the following four courses:
ED 112 - Study Strategies & Time Management Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 1
ED 113 - Assistive Technology Applications Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 1
ED 114 - Language & Communication Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 1
ED 115 - Self-Determination Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 1
The following courses are also required:
ED 091 - Safety in the Community Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 2 (First year)
ED 092 - Interpersonal Relationships Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 2 (First year)
ED 093A - Cutting Edge Internship A Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 3
ED 093B - Cutting Edge Internship B Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 3