BRADENTON, Fla. — The School District of Manatee County is launching a new program to help paraprofessionals become certified teachers as the district works to fill instructional vacancies.
The “Para to Pro” program will pay for five to seven paraprofessionals who already have associate degrees to finish their bachelor’s degrees and become certified teachers, according to the district. Applications open at the end of August, and the first group is expected to begin in January.
Michelle Cramer, a paraprofessional at Braden River Elementary School, said she plans to apply. Cramer has worked at the school for six years, helping second- and third-grade students and teachers…