Registered Apprenticeship in Special Education
Pathway 2 Teach
Kent State University's Registered Apprenticeship in Special Education in Primary Intervention Specialist Education (PRISE), Pathway 2 Teach, offers a supportive "earn while you learn" pathway for paraprofessionals who aspire to become licensed intervention specialists. Through this program, educational aides and paraprofessionals who are already employed may apply for Pathway 2 Teach through the university and their employer.
The program prepares future Early Childhood Special Education professionals to teach and support young children with and without disabilities from Pre-K through Grade 5. Participants gain hands-on experience in special education classrooms while completing university coursework and receiving personalized mentorship from experienced educators.
Curious to learn more? View our Pathway 2 Teach information session recordings.
Designed for Working Professionals
As a current paraprofessional or educational aide, you'll continue working in your school setting while completing university coursework. By combining real-world classroom experience, rigorous academic coursework and mentorship from experienced educators, Pathway 2 Teach bridges the transition from paraprofessional to licensed teacher. Join a community of educators who are shaping inclusive classrooms across Ohio. Through Pathway 2 Teach, you'll gain the skills, credentials and confidence to make a lasting difference in students' lives.
Our First Cohort is Underway!
In Fall 2026, Kent State University welcomes the first cohort of Pathway 2 Teach™ Registered Apprentices. These dedicated paraprofessionals are continuing to serve students in their schools while completing coursework and on-the-job training that will prepare them to become licensed Primary Intervention Specialists.
The launch of the first Pathway 2 Teach™ cohort marks an important milestone in addressing the need for highly qualified special education teachers across Ohio while creating new opportunities for current school employees.
Cohort Highlights
- Cohort begins Fall 2026
- 11 apprentices enrolled
- 7 partnering districts and educational agencies
- Earn-while-you-learn model
- Integrated coursework, mentoring, and on-the-job training
- Pathway to Ohio licensure as a Primary Intervention Specialist
Looking Ahead
Recruitment for the second Pathway 2 Teach™ cohort will begin this fall. Interested paraprofessionals, school districts, and educational agencies are encouraged to learn more about the program and connect with our team to explore partnership opportunities.
Contact Us
- Dr. Lisa Testa | etesta@kent.edu
- Renee Brown | rbrow156@kent.edu
What Makes Our Program Unique
As Registered Apprenticeships expand across education and other sectors, Kent State continues to lead in connecting individuals to meaningful, high-quality careers that make a difference in local schools and communities.
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Inclusive Expertise
You'll gain specialized training in inclusive education from Kent State's nationally recognized faculty. Coursework and mentorship emphasize evidence-based practices for supporting children with and without disabilities, ensuring you're prepared to meet diverse learners' needs from birth through Grade 5.
Inclusive Expertise
You'll gain specialized training in inclusive education from Kent State's nationally recognized faculty. Coursework and mentorship emphasize evidence-based practices for supporting children with and without disabilities, ensuring you're prepared to meet diverse learners' needs from birth through Grade 5.
Inclusive Expertise
You'll gain specialized training in inclusive education from Kent State's nationally recognized faculty. Coursework and mentorship emphasize evidence-based practices for supporting children with and without disabilities, ensuring you're prepared to meet diverse learners' needs from birth through Grade 5.
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Hands-On, Real-World Learning
Your classroom becomes your learning lab. Through structured mentorship from experienced intervention specialists, you'll apply what you learn in real time, developing skills in communication, collaboration and individualized instruction that immediately benefit your students.
Hands-On, Real-World Learning
Your classroom becomes your learning lab. Through structured mentorship from experienced intervention specialists, you'll apply what you learn in real time, developing skills in communication, collaboration and individualized instruction that immediately benefit your students.
Hands-On, Real-World Learning
Your classroom becomes your learning lab. Through structured mentorship from experienced intervention specialists, you'll apply what you learn in real time, developing skills in communication, collaboration and individualized instruction that immediately benefit your students.
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Pathway to Licensure
Upon completion, you'll earn your Ohio P–5 Intervention Specialist Teaching License, opening doors to fulfilling, high-demand roles in early childhood and elementary special education.
Pathway to Licensure
Upon completion, you'll earn your Ohio P–5 Intervention Specialist Teaching License, opening doors to fulfilling, high-demand roles in early childhood and elementary special education.
Pathway to Licensure
Upon completion, you'll earn your Ohio P–5 Intervention Specialist Teaching License, opening doors to fulfilling, high-demand roles in early childhood and elementary special education.