Para Pathways Project

Special Education Para Pathways Project

The OPI Special Education Para Pathways Project is a new initiative started in February 2025 to address the shortage of special education teachers in rural Montana. Please see the links below for more information regarding the requirements, eligibility, and application.

Benefits of the Para Pathways Project:

Recruit and retain qualified professionals working with students with disabilities by providing multiple levels of licensure within Special Education.
Increase skills of Montana paraeducators and educators working with students with disabilities
Provide free tuition for eligible paraeducators* to enroll and complete the Special Education Technician Program Dawson Community College.
Proposal for Montana Administrative Rule: Upon completion of the Dawson courses, paraeducators would apply to be a certified Special Education Technician.

Professional Learning Modules

DISCLOSURE: The modules are provided for general informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The modules may not contain the most recent legal developments. If participants need legal advice on a particular set of facts or circumstances they should consult with an attorney.

Professional Learning Modules in Special Education are available FREE to all Montana paraeducators, pre-service teachers, educators, and administrators.

Eligible Paraeducators*, who currently work with students with disabilities, verified and accepted into the Para Pathways Project may receive compensation for completion of specific Professional Learning Modules as part of the Special Education Technician Track.

**For certified teachers and administrators, email Tammy Lysons to request OPI Professional Development Units. Full course list by category available here.

ACCESS PROFESSIONAL LEARNING MODULES HERE:

Need help? Check out the links below under Technical Assistance and FAQ.

Eligibility and Application

Learn more about the ParaPathway Sped Technician Project on the Dawson Community College site here.

*Eligibility for incentive pay for Para Pathways

Must be currently be employed as a paraeducator in a Montana School District working with students with disabilities.

Application for Level 1—Incentive pay for module completion for paraeducators who meet the above criteria:

Register as an eligible special education paraeducator** in LRP by creating a login and indicate that you are participating in the Special Education Technician Track.
Submit the Employment Verification Form to OPI and Dawson.
Submit a W-9 to Dawson Community College to receive payment(s).
Note: Only LRP modules included in this list are eligible for compensation ($20 per module) until annual funding is exhausted. Paraeducators will only be compensated once for each module, maximum of $800 per person.

Application for Level 2—Para Pathways Project Special Education Technician (More Information Coming Soon- Pending Legislative Changes)

Complete 40 specific LRP modules included on this list.
Provide verification of a minimum of 1000 hours worked as a special education paraeducator in a Montana District.
Complete enrollment application with Dawson Community College. Coursework to be completed will include:
- EDU 201: Introduction to Education
- EDSP 204: Exceptional Learners
- EDU 222: Educational Psychology
- EDU 231: Literature and Literacy for Children
Complete Tuition & Service Payback Agreement with OPI and Dawson Community College.