Paraprofessional Education Certificate of Applied Sciences

The proposal is for a Certificate of Applied Sciences in Paraprofessional Education. The certification will target paraprofessionals in the educational setting without any previous college coursework and also serve as a stackable credential for incoming students entering into teaching professions. The certification may allow paraprofessionals to earn higher wages in their current positions and incoming teacher candidates to gain employment while working towards the associate degree at LSUE and a baccalaureate degree at the student’s transfer institution. Paraprofessionals often help stabilize the workforce particularly during times of teacher shortages. Thus, the certificate will also benefit the educational community by better preparing paraprofessionals for the workforce. Students who earn the Certificate of Applied Sciences in Paraprofessional Education will have knowledge and skills more desirable to potential employers.