IRIS Center

The IRIS Center is a national center focused on improving educational outcomes for all children—particularly those with disabilities from birth through age twenty‑one—through effective evidence‑based practices. They offer free, self‑paced, self‑contained online modules designed for both educators and paraeducators. Each module includes interactive learning, practical strategies, and the opportunity to earn a certificate of completion.

Popular module topics include:

• Addressing challenging behaviors
• Foundational behavioral principles
• Instructional and testing accommodations for students with disabilities
• Autism supports
• Classroom behavior management

PAR²A Center

The Paraprofessional Resource and Research Center (PAR²A Center), located at the University of Colorado Denver’s School of Education & Human Development, focuses on developing a highly qualified and effective workforce of degreed and non‑degreed personnel across early intervention, education, and human services fields. 

Council for Exceptional Children

The Council for Exceptional Children is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving outcomes for children and youth with disabilities. CEC supports educators and paraeducators by offering:

• Professional guidance for paraeducators
• The Core Competencies for Special Education Paraeducators
• Access to professional standards, publications, and communities of practice

Academy for Urban School Leadership

The Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) recruits, prepares, and supports new teachers in underserved communities to ensure every student has access to excellent instruction. Their signature program, the Chicago Teacher Residency, is a one‑year pathway for individuals with a bachelor’s degree who wish to transition into teaching.

Program features include:

• One‑year master’s degree coursework through DePaul University
• Structured coaching and mentoring
• In-classroom learning experience through Chicago Public Schools
• Job placement support for graduates

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University (GCU) offers a wide range of degree pathways and support services tailored to paraeducators seeking to advance into teaching or specialized education roles. With a longstanding history as a teachers’ college, GCU provides flexible learning options—including online, on‑campus, and evening programs—designed to meet the needs of working professionals.

Cooperative Educational Services (CES)

CES is one of six Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs) in Connecticut and a member of the RESC Alliance. RESCs support school districts through collaboration, shared services, and cost‑effective programming. CES offers training, technical assistance, and professional development resources that may include opportunities specifically for paraeducators.

Parent Engagement Institute: Ladders of Opportunity

Funded by a three‑year federal CURE grant through the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Ladders of Opportunity supports Parent Mentors as they pursue career and education pathways. The initiative helps build local talent pipelines to address staffing shortages and provides accessible opportunities for paraeducators and aspiring educators to strengthen their skills and advance in education careers.