School districts across the country are feeling the weight of employee shortages, including paraeducators and paraprofessionals. Now programs and districts are applying new tactics to fill the void.

Paraprofessionals must also apply via the State Education Department for State Certification as a Teaching Assistant, the website states.

DPI has supported a “paraprofessional-to-teacher pathway” with federal COVID-19 funds — this pays tuition and other expenses for paraprofessionals who want to be licensed teachers.

A new proposal could create an influx of new teachers by giving classroom paraprofessionals a path to state certification.

Shawnee Community College offers paraprofessional testing for students who wish to become certified paraprofessionals or instructional teacher aides.