About this role
To support Paraprofessionals in a Hearing Support Apprenticeship Program. This pilot cohort will:
• Participate in a structured apprenticeship model aligned with PDE requirements.
• Receive mentorship from certified Teachers of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing.
• Engage in supervised field-based experiences while completing certification coursework.
The Hearing Apprenticeship Program shall serve as the inaugural cohort and proof-of-concept model for expansion to additional special education certification areas, including but not limited to:
• Special Education PK–12
• Special Education – Hearing Impaired PK–12
• Special Education – Speech and Language Impaired PK–12
• Special Education – Visually Impaired PK–12
To establish a voluntary certification pathway for certain bargaining unit members who seek to obtain Pennsylvania Special Education teacher certification and also to recognize those with advanced educational backgrounds in Education or Human Services. Stipend Structure and Payment Schedule: The total stipend for completion of the Program is Eight-Thousand, Five-Hundred Dollars and Zero Cents ($8,500.00), which is divided into three (3) payments, paid upon verification of completion of training milestones as listed below: First Year Payment: Two-Thousand, One-Hundred and Twenty-Five Dollars and Zero Cents ($2,125.00) paid within thirty (30) days of successful completion of Year One (1) training modules. Second Year Payment: Two-Thousand, One-Hundred and Twenty-Five Dollars and Zero Cents ($2,125.00) paid within thirty (30) days of successful completion of Year two (2) training modules. Successful Completion Payment: Four-Thousand, Two-Hundred and Fifty Dollars and Zero Cents ($4,250.00) shall be paid within (30) days of completion of certification and receipt by the DCIU of substantiating documentation of completion. Participants are required to complete the Program in order to be eligible for the stipend payments above. If the participant does not continue or complete the Program, the DCIU may recoup any stipend payment as noted in (a) and (b) above. KNOWLEDGE & SKILL REQUIREMENTS: Eligibility and Training Requirements:
• Be a current employee in good standing.
• Hold a conferred bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Receive supervisory recommendation.
• Be formally admitted to a Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)-approved Special Education certification program.
• Commit to continued employment with the DCIU during the Program participate.
Participants must provide documentation of degree conferral, enrollment in an approved certification program, successful completion of coursework, and certification status to Human Resources. Service Commitment: In consideration of receiving the stipend, participating employees agree to:
• Remain employed by the DCIU for a minimum of two (2) years following completion of certification; and
• Accept assignment as a Special Education Teacher within the DCIU, if offered and appropriately certified. If no positions are available, repayment of funds by employee will not be required.
• Failure to fulfill the minimum service commitments above in (a) and (b) shall require repayment by the employee of stipend funds received.