Would you like to teach math? Would you like to receive funding for college?

Washington State is offering conditional loan scholarships for eligible paraeducators to become secondary math teachers.

The para-pipeline provides an opportunity for current para-professionals with at least 3 years experience who do not hold a college degree to earn a teaching degree in secondary mathematics, with an additional endorsement in special education.

Participants complete the Associate in Math Direct Transfer Degree at either Green River or Seattle Central Community College. This degree begins at the calculus level in math, so those who are not ready for calculus will need to take math courses to prepare.

Washington State provides tuition assistance in the form of a conditional loan. Funding is up to $4000 per year for a two-year transfer degree in math education and additional funding for an alternative route to certification (2 more years)

What is a conditional loan?

A conditional loan comes in the form of money to pay for college. Once you are certified, the loan is paid back by teaching secondary math. Each two years of teaching pays back one year of loan, so graduates who take 4 years of loan would need to teach 8 years of secondary math. After those 8 years, one can teach in other areas.

When can I start?

The next time to begin the program is fall quarter, 2008. However, if you need prerequisites in math, you will need to begin earlier.

Is the program for me?

Do you want to teach middle school or high school math?
If your answer is “yes” this program may be for you.

Have you worked as a para-educator in Washington State for at least 3 years?
If your answer is “yes” this program may be for you.

Do you have a 2-year or 4-year college degree?
If your answer is “no”, this program may be for you. In some cases, paras with a 2-year technical degree (different than an AA transfer degree) may still be eligible

For more information, contact:
Leslie Heizer Newquist, Lheizer@greenriver.edu, (253) 833-9111 x4359