Purple Pathway for Paraeducators
Elementary Education Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Earn a teaching degree through our accelerated, online, practice-based program for paraprofessionals who are interested in furthering their education to earn a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a Special Education Strategist I Iowa endorsement.
- Next cohort begins: Fall 2025
- Application deadline: March 1
- Apply now!
Which elementary education pathway is right for me?
Features
Entirely Online | 2 years to complete
- A flexible option for placebound, paraeducators currently working in schools
- Courses offered entirely online, allowing you to maintain commitments while earning your degree
- Build a lifelong network by studying with the same group of paraeducators throughout the program
- Earn Iowa endorsements in Elementary K-6 and Strategist I
- Utilize support from a trained mentor at your worksite
- Benefit from exemplary support provided throughout your journey
To be admitted, students must:
- be an employed paraeducator in a K-6 building
- have support from building/district administrator and mentor teacher(s)
- have an Associate of Arts degree, Associate of Science degree, or higher
- be able to commit to the synchronous online meetings
- complete the UNI application for admission and send official transcripts to the Office of Admissions
Upon admittance, students will work with their advisor on admission to the Teacher Education Program at UNI.
Request Information
Delivered entirely online
Courses are offered entirely online using Zoom video conferencing and Blackboard, a learning management system. Classes will meet online a set day each week for three hours. There will be one 6-hour Saturday meeting per month (with options for attending in-person on the UNI campus or online). Coursework and assignments are application and practice-based, allowing you to draw on your daily experiences and roles within your current school. Note: In-school field experiences and student teaching are required.
Sequences:
A flexible online pathway for paraeducators
Designed for those who are:
- Seeking an elementary teaching degree
- Looking to advance their careers in education and become a licensed elementary teacher in Iowa
- Needing flexibility due to family/work commitments
Individualized support services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Delivered entirely online
Courses are offered entirely online using Zoom video conferencing and Blackboard, a learning management system. Classes will meet online a set day each week for three hours. There will be one 6-hour Saturday meeting per month (with options for attending in-person on the UNI campus or online). Coursework and assignments are application and practice-based, allowing you to draw on your daily experiences and roles within your current school. Note: In-school field experiences and student teaching are required.
Sequences:
A flexible online pathway for paraeducators
Designed for those who are:
- Seeking an elementary teaching degree
- Looking to advance their careers in education and become a licensed elementary teacher in Iowa
- Needing flexibility due to family/work commitments
Individualized support services
Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:
- Personalized academic advising
- Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
- Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
- Access to student accessibility services and staff
- Technical support assistance
Express Interest
Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information and application deadlines directly to your inbox!
Apply Now
When applying, students will need to complete the UNI application for admission and send official transcripts to the Office of Admissions.
Contact Us
Our team of support staff is available to help you throughout your UNI journey.
Contact us at 319-273-7206 or online@uni.edu for assistance!
Delivery of the program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.
Future Ready Scholarships available
Through the UNI at Iowa Community Colleges (UNI@IACC) initiative, students in this program may qualify to receive a scholarship covering the difference between community college and UNI tuition. To be eligible, you must complete the FAFSA and meet income and academic eligibility criteria. Scholarship requirements include:
- an associate's degree or 24+ credits from an Iowa Community College
- a GPA of 2.0 or higher and be admissible to UNI
- submitting the FAFSA, demonstrating financial need, as defined by the American Rescue Plan
- Completing the FAFSA will allow UNI to potentially reduce or eliminate a student's remaining balance through other forms of financial aid, based on availability.
Our Staff & Featured Faculty
As a online student, you’ll have a dedicated Advisor in the UNI College of Education, and an Enrollment Contact through Online & Distance Education to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence and billing process, preparing for graduation, and much more. Additionally, your classes will be taught by the same distinguished, full-time faculty who teach on campus.
Mike Tate
Academic Advisor
Email Mike Tate →
319-273-5481
