MO STATE's Pathways for Paras
A certified apprenticeship through the USDOL
Welcome
We are so excited to go on this pathway with you and help you to achieve your professional goals. Our partners from the Department of Labor and Missouri Job Centers Workforce Development, as well as Missouri State University are here to support you and ensure your success. We will work on communicating with you on a regular basis to keep you informed on the process and make sure that we are disseminating all of the information that you need. In this newsletter you will find a step-by-step guide on the application process and available supports.
Please know, whether you are a student or a partnering school district, we are here to answer questions as you continue on this journey. This program is not possible without your partnership and together we are building a generation of qualified teachers to provide the greatest support to our state's special education students.
Thank you,
Drs. Reesha Adamson and Jon Turner
Interest and Communication Form
First, please fill out this form (even if you are not ready to apply). This is our communication list and will help you know who to contact based on your individual needs. If you do apply then it will help us to track your application through the system.
Exciting News
Expanding Pathways for Paras with BCBA
We have created an additional track for those individuals eligible for the MSED where they are eligible to participate in all of the coursework required for obtaining their Board Certified Behavior Analyst in tandem with their teacher certification. Students in this program would need to have a direct qualified supervisor within the district who would work with Mo State faculty to oversee the 2000 hours of required behavior analytic work. However, if a direct supervisor is not an available resource, the university can help support this process. The same district led coursework exists for the MSED/BCBA program as other Pathways. We are excited about this opportunity and the potential for providing even more resources and supports for students and school districts.
Application and Financial Aid Process
Step One: Application and FAFSA
One of our top goals is to make the program very affordable for all para apprentices, but, we will need your help in finding all of the financial support for which you qualify. Many of you have received direct communication from Reesha or an individual within your school about applying to the University and accessing financial aid. If you are unsure or have not completed this process please access all of the information here. Be sure that you are reaching out to Mary Bohlen (BSED/Undergraduate) or Lisa Monkres (MSED/Masters) with questions about your specific programs. Remember that if you have already completed and graduated with a bachelor's degree you should be working with Lisa Monkres, otherwise for those of you with an Associate's degree or some college hours you should be supported by Mary Bohlen. For other issues you are always welcome to contact Dr. Reesha Adamson. Be sure to send transcripts to Missouri State University Admissions Office, 901 S National Ave, Springfield, MO 65897. Student submitted transcripts or faxes are not considered official for application purposes.
BSED Undergraduate Admissions
Be sure to mark the program "Special Education (Cross Categorical)".
MSED Masters Admissions
Be sure to select "Alternative Certification Track" under the Special Education list for your selected program.
FAFSA
Be sure to add our school code (002503) to your FAFSA.
Step One A: Fee Reimbursement
Since there are fees associated with requesting your transcripts from your previous institution (varies), possible testing requirements, and a fee attached to your MSED/Master's application ($55), there is a process for reimbursement from the state. The TEACH Missouri Program includes a funding source which will repay up to $100 of this cost. This can be done through the link here. I would encourage you to enroll and apply your costs to again make this program as affordable as possible.
Step Two: Missouri Job Center-Workforce Development
Next on your "to do" list is to access the Missouri Job Center. You will need to determine your region (see map below) and then find which Missouri Job Center is located closest to you. A map of the state and contact information can be found here. The Missouri Job Center is your resource hub for support beyond the FAFSA. There are multiple programs which can support you beyond Missouri State's resources and provide technical instruction assistance (tuition) along with additional resource support (childcare, car repairs, etc.). Each individual's circumstances are different so it is critical to work with your Job Center to figure out what works for you! To find out your job center region please see view the map below.
Step Three: Meet your advising team and arrange your graduation plan!
Mary Bohlen-BSED/ Undergraduate
Mary will be your contact for your undergraduate degree and coursework. She is an academic advisor in the Education Advisement Office.
Lisa Monkres-MSED/Masters
Lisa will help with your admission into the graduate program and provide support across time, she is not your advisor but is often a first point of contact for questions.
Drs. Jessica Nelson and Reesha Adamson-MSED/Masters
The advisors for masters students are Drs. Nelson and Adamson. However, we are here to support all student through every step of the process.
Step Four: Advisement and Tracking
We will help schedule your coursework with a schedule that meets your needs. We will plan and design instruction that ensures you have the best experience and finish on a timeline that is right for you. We will guide you through each semester until graduation and then be there to celebrate with you as you walk across the stage. This will require individual/group meetings so please let us know as soon as you are officially admitted to Missouri State, and Go Bears!
Missouri State's Department of Counseling Leadership and Special Education
Email: radamson@missouristate.edu
Website: https://education.missouristate.edu/CLSE/
Location: 901 South National Avenue, Springfield, MO, USA
Phone: (417) 836-6284
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoState_CLSE-106982288423815
Twitter: @MoState_CLSE