School Administrator Information
Purple Pathway for Paraeducators Program
Help your paraprofessional staff take the next step in their careers with our Purple Pathway for Paraeducators (PPP) program—an accelerated, online, and practice-based pathway to earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a Special Education Strategist I Iowa endorsement.
As a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor, this program equips paraeducators with essential skills and real-world teaching experience, preparing them for success in the classroom.
Now accepting applications for Fall 2025!
Watch Our Video to Learn How You Can Support Your Paraeducators' Journey
Frequently Asked Questions
- What level of support is needed from schools?
This program requires an elevated level of support from the student’s school building and district leadership. Each student is expected to be assigned a mentor teacher, and there will be times when practicum coursework requires that students step out of their paraeducator role to implement their learning in another area of the school.
- Are Purple Pathway students paid during student teaching?
As an apprentice-model program, it is expected that paraeducators will continue to be paid during the spring semester when student teaching takes place. During this 15-16 week period, the students will be unable to perform their paraeducator duties as typically assigned. We understand this can be a hurdle, so we have compiled ideas and models that have worked in other districts that we would be happy to share to ease the burden for the school during this time.
- Will student teaching be completed in the district the paraeducator works for?
District personnel work with UNI to secure student teaching placements. Most Purple Pathway students do their student teaching within the district they are employed. However, student teaching placements may occasionally differ from districts that employ the Purple Pathway apprentice.
- How do students know if their district is supporting this program?
Potential applicants should have a conversation with, at a minimum, their building administrator before applying for the program. Building administrators will be expected to complete a letter of recommendation for each applicant, and district administrators will be expected to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which will guarantee district support for the Purple Pathway program.
- If a paraeducator doesn’t have a license, but is currently employed with the school, are they eligible?
As long as they are employed as a paraeducator and working in a K-6 classroom on a daily basis and hold an AA, AS, or higher degree, they will be eligible.
- Are paraeducators currently working in middle school buildings, preschools, or high schools eligible to enroll in this program?
All paraeducators will need to be employed in a K-6 classroom on a daily basis during the program.
- Can anyone be a mentor?
The building principal will recruit and select Multi-Level Classroom Teachers (MCLs) who will serve as mentors. Criteria for selecting MCLs are described in a job description and the MOU, which the UNI Purple Pathway team members have developed and will share.
