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Paraprofessional Educational Trust Fund

An educational trust fund was established in the Agreement between the Denver Federation for Paraprofessionals and the Denver Public Schools. Interest earned from the $300,000 Trust Fund is used to pay tuition and related expenses for selected paraprofessionals enrolled in an accredited college program leading to certification as a teacher.

Paraprofessionals who complete a teacher certification will be considered for employment as a teacher, based on their qualifications, employment interview and the employment need of Denver Public Schools.

The Educational Trust Fund Committee is composed of three paraprofessionals appointed by the Federation and three administrators. The committee has defined a set of criteria to be used to identify individuals who will be recommended to receive monies from the trust fund. All recommendations of the Federation are subject to approval of the superintendent or designee.

Paraprofessionals may select an accredited college or university of their choice. The district, in consultation with the union will determine the number and amount of scholarships to be awarded in any given year.

Requirements

  • Must meet NCLB requirements for current position (if applicable)
  • Must have completed a minimum of three school years as a paraprofessional in the District
  • Must be employed as a paraprofessional for a minimum of four hours per day. Preference will be given to those individuals with 50% or more of their assignment in an instructional position.
  • Must show satisfactory performance as a paraprofessional on all performance appraisals.
  • Must meet the admission requirements of the selected college or university and maintain a “B” average or higher.
  • Must be enrolled in a program that leads to teacher licensure in Colorado. If the candidate is already in a program, the candidates must have maintained a “B” average for all prior course work.
  • Must take a minimum of six credit hours per semester.
  • Preference will be given to individual studying toward endorsement in high needs areas (to be determined annually).
  • Individuals are expected to maintain enrollment during the academic year for which the scholarship is awarded.

Application Process

Click here to download the application. Completed applications must be sent to the DFP office by April 15, 2011. In addition to the application YOU MUST include:

  • Three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from your current building principal or administrator.
  • Include a personal statement (one page maximum) which addresses why you want to become a teacher, and why you want to teach in Denver Public Schools.
  • Official copies of transcripts. if you have completed course work in a teacher preparation program.
  • Copies of your three most recent performance appraisals.

The Federation will review applications and recommend candidates to receive monies from the educational trust fund, to the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee. The Superintendent or his or her designee will review the information submitted by the Federation and determine whether the requests will be approved. This review may include an interview with the candidates.

Individuals who are awarded a scholarship, will provide transcripts and other appropriate documentation during the school year, in order to demonstrate they have met the academic requirements of the scholarship.

©2012 Denver Public Schools