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?

Are you seeking an elementary education teaching license in the state of Iowa?
Are you currently working as a paraeducator in a K-6 building?
Are you seeking licensure to teach middle level or secondary in Iowa?
Highest degree earned
Type of Associate's degree earned or pursuing

Based on your responses, the 2+2 Elementary Education program may be a good fit to meet your educational goals! Learn more about the 2+2 Elementary Education program.

It has not been determined if UNI's program meets the educational requirements in each state. Please see our Professional Licensure Information page for more information.

Based on your responses, the 2+2 Elementary Education program may be a good fit to meet your educational goals! Learn more about the 2+2 Elementary Education program.

Based on your responses, the 2+2 Elementary Education program may be a good fit to meet your educational goals! Learn more about the 2+2 Elementary Education program.

Based on your responses, the 2+2 Elementary Education program may be a good fit to meet your educational goals! Learn more about the 2+2 Elementary Education program.

Based on your responses, we would encourage you to explore one of our on-campus programs, or please check back after earning your associate's degree to join one of our degree completion programs. Learn more about on-campus programs.

Based on your responses, we would encourage you to explore one of our on-campus programs, or please check back after earning your associate's degree to join one of our degree completion programs. Learn more about on-campus programs.

Based on your responses, we would encourage you to explore one of our on-campus programs, or please check back after earning your associate's degree to join one of our degree completion programs. Learn more about on-campus programs.

Based on your responses, the Purple Pathway for Paraeducators may be a good fit to meet your educational goals! Learn more about the Purple Pathway for Paraeducators program.

Based on your responses, the Regents Alternative Pathway to Iowa Licensure (RAPIL) program may be a good online option to earn your teaching license. Learn more about the RAPIL program.

Elementary Education student smiling in front of a classroom

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 

Admission Requirements

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. 

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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:

Students meeting online through Zoom
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
Smiling graduate hugging someone at graduation ceremony
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
Student smiling receiving help from staff member
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:

Students meeting online through Zoom
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
Smiling graduate hugging someone at graduation ceremony
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
Student smiling receiving help from staff member

Next Steps


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.