PITTSFIELD, MA β€” ΊμΠΣΦ±²¥ All Rights Reserved (ΊμΠΣΦ±²¥) announces that the second cohort of its Paraprofessional Educators class begins Monday. Feb. 24, 2025. The six-week session is held Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The class is an entry-level course with no prerequisites. Students must be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent. To register, email workforce@berkshirecc.edu or call 413 236-2115.
Paraprofessional or "para" educators, which are in demand in the Berkshires, play a vital role in supporting teachers in the classroom. The ΊμΠΣΦ±²¥ program covers areas such as instructional techniques, classroom management, child development, special education and effective communication strategies.
With support from experienced mentors, students learn how to assist in the delivery of educational content, provide one-on-one or small-group support to students and help manage classroom behavior. They receive career preparation and job placement support, and with the successful completion of a certification exam, they may earn the industry-recognized ParaPro credential.
Upon completion of the course, graduates are prepared to work in a public or private K-12 education setting as effective, compassionate paraeducators, contributing to a positive and inclusive learning atmosphere.