Grants available for teacher certification

LYNN – The Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant Program has announced that new grants are available to teacher paraprofessionals looking to become certified as full time teachers in Massachusetts.The grant is an attempt to help reduce financial barriers that may be standing between the paraprofessionals and their goals, while addressing the state’s current teacher shortage.There are several different grants available, offering $625 per credit with a $7,500 maximum to a public university, $625 per credit, $7,500 maximum to a private college or university, $450 per credit, $6,000 maximum to a state college and $250 per credit, $4,000 maximum to a community college.Applicants must download and complete the initial grant application, along with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form annually and provide written proof of employment as a paraprofessional.Participants in the UWW Teacher Licensure program with two or more years of experience as paraprofessionals are eligible if they met several requirements. Applicants must be a resident of Massachusetts, be a U.S. Citizen or eligible immigrant, be eligible under Title IV regulations and not in default of state or federal education loan or grant, enroll in an undergraduate degree program, full or part time, leading to teacher certification and not already have a bachelor’s degree.Some applicants may be eligible with under two years of experience if the undergraduate course of study will lead to a degree in a high need discipline such as math, science, special education or bilingual education.The grant program was established in 2004 by the state legislature for the purpose of providing financial assistance to Massachusetts residents hoping to become teachers. For more information or to download an application, visit www.osfa.mass.edu.