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Bridge to Teaching:
Teacher Preparation for Paraprofessionals, a specialization within the Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies degree |
Bridge to Teaching is designed as a dynamic undergraduate degree completion program for paraprofessionals who have an associate degree or equivalent credits (60 semester hours). Support will also be available to help students successfully complete their degree.
Eligibility/Requirements
To be eligible for this program, students should be a working Paraprofessional or Teacher Assistant with at least one year of work experience in a instructional setting.
The Preferred Student has:
- A liberal or general studies associate degree or equivalent of 60 semester hours or 80 quarter hours to transfer into the program
- A minimum 2.5 GPA
- At least one year of paraprofessional experiences
Program Overview
The College of Professional Studies at Northeastern University has developed a sequence of courses for paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, and teacher aides who have earned an associate degree or its equivalent (at least 60 semester hours or 80 quarter hours). Coursework in the program will lead to a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies degree with a concentration in Education.
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Financial Aid, Scholarships, Loan Fogiveness, and other Incentives
Eligible students may apply to the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, Office for Student Assistance for the Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant. The purpose of the grant is to provide financial assistance to Massachusetts residents who are currently employed as paraprofessionals in Massachusetts public schools, but wish to become certified as full time teachers.
Important Financial Aid and Scholarship Information:
Students must be admitted into the program before they can apply for the grant. Other financial aid may be available to you through the Northeastern University’s Student Financial Services. visit http://www.financialaid.neu.edu/home.php
Learn more about financial aid scholarships, incentives and loan cancellations for educators from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education:
Application Process/Requirements/Deadline
Students may apply to the program online at http://www.cps.neu.edu/register/undergrad/ and select Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies. Students may also contact the School of Professional Studies Admissions Office by calling 617-373-2400, or toll-free at 877-668-7727.
Applications must be accompanied by:
- verification of a high school diploma (if you do not have an associates degree)
- an original, official transcript of college courses
- two letters of recommendation (principal and teachers preferred)
- and a personal statement stating why you want to become a teacher (1000 words or less)
Students may be invited in for an interview as part of the admissions process.
Credits/Transfer Credits
Total Credits for the Degree:
Complete 120 semester hour credits (160 quarter hour credits equivalent) including transfer credits and credits earned through an Assessment of Prior Learning (APL).
Transfer Credits:
College transcripts will be reviewed to determine the number of credits and the types of courses eligible for transfer into the bachelor’s degree program.
Residency Requirement:
There is a residence requirement which means students must earn a residency requirement earning between 30–40 semester hour (45-60 quarter hour) credits at Northeastern University.
Assessment of Prior Learning
Students may earn up to 18 quarter hour (12 semester hour) credits through an assessment prior learning and experience in education. Students will prepare a portfolio of their work during the first semester of their enrollment and/or take a CLEP diagnostic test.
Student Support
The program provides academic support where needed especially around writing, technology, and reading. Diagnostic tools and self-assessment will be used to ensure that students are placed in correct level courses.
Students will develop an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and participate in regular program assessments. Some students may be asked to come in for an interview, provide a writing sample, and/or be asked to demonstrate their competency to do coursework in English.
First Quarter
During the first quarter, all students will take two courses. The first course, Introduction to Educaiton will provide an introduction to the field of education and the Bridge to Teaching program and will help students develop a meaningful context for future work. Features of the course include:
- Clarification of a student’s goals for their work in the program
- Self evaluation and assessment of a student’s prior learning in both academic and experiential settings. This will be done in collaboration with other students and the instructor.
- Writing an essay explaining how prior learning fits into a student’s plan for work in the program. The essay will provide a basis for granting academic credit for prior learning.
- Evaluating academic and professional needs as a starting point for planning a student’s future coursework.
The second course will be an English course that emphasizes critical reading and writing. Students will be evaluated in terms of their academic reading and writing ability. If determined that students need a refresher in academic reading and writing, they will be enrolled in a course designed to help them strengthen these skills. Students who do not require this preparation will be enrolled in more advanced English course. It is important that all students begin the program with strong basic skills in these areas.
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