Southeast Missouri State University 1873

Pathway for Paraprofessional to Teacher Program

BSED On-Campus Hyflex Main Campus

DEGREE TYPE

Bachelor's Degree

PROGRAM TYPE

Undergraduate

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Transform from a paraprofessional to a K-12 certified teacher with a bachelor's degree in Exceptional Child Education. Find your fearless.

As a paraprofessional, you've seen how education can change lives. Your daily interactions have shown you the power of personalized learning. This paraprofessional to teacher program builds on your experience, strengthening your skills and offering insights to enhance the difference you make for your students. You'll be even better equipped to support and advocate for students with diverse needs.

What Makes SEMO's Paraprofessional to teacher program Unique:

Our pathways for para to teacher program prepares you for the classroom through coursework on campus and fieldwork within schools. Be prepared and certified to teach and work with students with exceptional learning needs in K-12.
  • Flexible class schedules accommodate your work commitments
  • You will earn college credit for the work you are doing as a para
  • Financial assistance is available
  • A dedicated academic advisor supports your journey
  • Continue working while you earn your degree, even during student teaching

What Can You Do from para to teacher?

As a paraprofessional, earning a degree in Exceptional Child Education: Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical will elevate your career, transforming you into a certified teacher. This paraprofessional to teacher program prepares you to step into roles as a special education teacher, resource specialist, IEP coordinator, or behavior specialist. You'll also discover opportunities as an educational consultant, where you guide schools and families toward success. This credential empowers you to make an even greater impact on students with diverse needs.

Para to teacher Education Careers Outlook

  • Mild/Moderate Cross Categorical remains one of the highest teacher shortage areas in Missouri, creating abundant opportunities for graduates
  • Our alumni consistently report feeling well-prepared by Southeast Missouri State University in our annual survey of first-year teachers
  • Principals recognize Exceptional Child Education graduates as well-prepared beginning teachers in our annual survey about first-year teachers

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Exceptional Child Education: Pathway for ParaprofessionalsDegree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree

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Elementary Education Degree Outcomes & Careers 

  • $69k 

    Elementary Teacher

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for an elementary school teacher is $69,790. 

  • $70k

    Middle School Teacher

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a middle school teacher is $70,040. 

  • $70k

    Special Education Teacher

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual salary for a special education teacher is $70,150. 

Paraprofessional Pathway

As an exceptional child education: mild/moderate cross-categorical major, you’ll learn to meet the rigor of teacher education in a supportive environment with faculty who have extensive classroom experience themselves. The 120 credit hours, including the general education requirements. SEMO will work with you to find the most direct pathway and allow your experience to benefit you.

Required Courses

  • CF233 Creative Thoughts and Expression in Children (3) 
  • ED280 Introduction to Education as a Profession (3) 
  • ED506 Education Law and Society (3) 
  • EF400 Student Teaching Seminar (3) 
  • EL274 Diversity in American Schools (3) 
  • EL300 Instructional and Assistive Technology in a Universally Designed Learning Environment (3) 
  • EL316 Emergent and Early Literacy (3) 
  • EL354 Meeting the Needs of Struggling Readers (3) 
  • EL355 Content and Disciplinary Literacy (3) 
  • EL420 Assessment and Data Analysis (3) 
  • EX302 Language Acquisition of the Exception Child (3) 
  • EX304 Classroom and Behavior Management (3) 
  • EX305 Content Area Teaching: Learning and Transitioning for Secondary Students with Exceptionalities (3) 
  • EX312 Diagnosis and Remediation of Math Difficulties (3) 
  • EX317 Assessment and Techniques of Teaching Children with Exceptionalities (3) 
  • EX373 Strategies and Techniques with a Learning Theory Base for Teaching Mild/Moderate Cross-Categorical (3) 
  • EX480 Exceptional Child Education Student Teaching (12) 
  • EX490 Certification Exam Seminar (1) 
  • EX507 Families and the Child with Exceptionalities (3) 
  • LI243 Children’s Literature (3) 
  • MA128 Numbers and Operations for Educators (4) 

Choose one course:

  • EX309 Field Experience in the Education of Students with Exceptionalities in Middle/Secondary Setting 
  • EX409 Advance Field Experience in the Education of Student with Exceptionalities in Elementary Setting (3) 

Choose one course:

  • EX311 Introduction to Children with Exceptionalities 
  • EX390 Psychology and Education of the Exceptional Child (3) 

Some requirements may be fulfilled by coursework in major program.

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours
  • Constitution Requirement – 3 hours
  • Written Communication – 6 hours
  • Oral Communication – 3 hours
  • Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
  • Mathematics – 3 hours
  • Humanities & Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
  • Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
  • Civics examination

Year One

Fall Semester 1 (12 hours)
  • EL300 (3)
  • EX302 (3)
  • EX304 (3)
  • EX311 or EX390 (3)
Spring Semester 1 (13 hours)
  • EL316 (3)
  • EX312 (3)
  • LI243 (3)
  • MA128 (4)
Summer Semester 1 (15 hours)
  • CF233 (3)
  • ED280 (3)
  • EL274 (3)

Year Two

Fall Semester 2 (16 hours)
  • EL354 (3)
  • EL420 (3)
  • EX305 (3)
  • EX309 or EX409 (3)
  • EX373 (3)
  • EX490 (1)
Spring Semester 2 (16 hours)
  • ED506 (3)
  • EF400 (3)
  • EX480 (12)
Summer Semester 2 (9)
  • EL355 (3)
  • EX317 (3)
  • EX507 (3)
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What will it cost?

Get Funding for Your Education

Missouri’s opened the door to a more educated workforce. We want to help you walk through it. If you’re an adult learner and a Missouri resident returning to college, learn about the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant. It’s a statewide financial aid program that can be used to pursue a certificate, degree or industry-recognized credential in a high need area in Missouri. This major is eligible for the Fast Track grant.
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Admissions Requirements

The requirements for admission vary depending on how you plan to enter Southeast. We must consider your educational background, the extent of your prior education, and your desired degree or program. You are also encouraged to complete orientation before you start classes. Refer to the Admissions Requirements or speak to an Admissions Counselor to learn more.

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Additional Resources

Office of Admissions
Cost
Scholarships
Student Organizations & Teams
Department of Elementary, Early and Special Education
College of Education, Health and Human Studies

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SEMO Online

Contact Us

Email

Office

online@semo.edu

Advising

OGS@semo.edu

Location

Office Location

Kent Library 305

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 4610
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701