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 retainqualified professionals working with students with disabilities by providing multiple levels of licensure within Special Education.
Increase skillsof Montana paraeducators and educators working with students with disabilities
Provide OPI paid tuitionfor eligible paraeducators to enroll and complete the Special Education Technician Program at Dawson Community College.
Upon completion of Level 1 and Level 2, paraeducators would apply to be licensed as Class 09 Special Education Technician.
Free Online Special Education Modulesfor all Montana educators and paraeducators
Paraeducators supported through the State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) to become fully licensed Special Education Teachers.

Access the Para Pathways 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.

Licensed educators can request renewal units using this form. Note, all courses beginning with code 35 with paraprofessional in the title are not eligible for Professional Learning renewal units.

Access Professional Learning Modules Here:

Need help? Check out the links below under Technical Assistance and Frequently Asked Questions.

Learn more about the ParaPathway Sped Technician Project at Dawson Community College.

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 Dawson Community College via email at DCCParaPathways@dawson.edu.
Submit a W-9 Form to Dawson Community College to receive payment(s).
Note: Only LRP& modules included in this list are eligible for compensation ($250 for first 20 modules and $250 after second 20 modules until annual funding is exhausted. Paraeducators will only be compensated once for each module, maximum of $500 per person effective July 1, 2026.

Application for Level 2—Para Pathways Project Special Education Technician

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.