UIndy Teach: Elementary Education Paraprofessional Pathway (Online)

Your Experience. Your License. Your Future.

Turn your classroom experience into a teaching license, without putting your life on hold.

You’re already making a difference in the classroom. Now take the next step toward becoming a licensed teacher through the 100% online Elementary Education Paraprofessional Pathway program.

✔  This program is built specifically for working paraprofessionals who are balancing careers, families, and professional goals.

You can earn while you learn, continuing in your current role while completing coursework that directly connects to your daily job—with no extra or disconnected assignments.

✔ Complete your bachelor’s degree and prepare for licensure in as little as two years after transferring your associate degree.

UIndy Teach recognizes and values your experience. As an online student, you’ll engage in coursework that builds on what you already know, while providing a clear, step-by-step pathway to licensure so you can be confident about what comes next. Through strong partnerships with local schools and districts, this program not only prepares you for licensure, but also positions you for continued success and advancement in your career.

Advantages

  • Become a licensed teacher while continuing to work 
  • Flexible online format designed for working adults 
  • Clear, step-by-step pathway to licensure 
  • Support from both school-based and faculty mentors 
  • Cohort-based experience with built-in peer support 
  • Strong connections with local schools and districts
  • Earn while you learn - Continue working while completing your degree
  • Two-year pathway - From associate to bachelor’s
  • Dual-mentor support - Guidance from school-based and faculty mentors

Program Format & Duration

Complete your bachelor’s degree and prepare for licensure in as little as two years after transferring your credits you earned with your associate degree. With a structure that works, support that matters, and learning that applies immediately, UIndy Teach makes it possible to move forward—without putting your life on hold.

Each week is intentionally structured to fit your life:

  • 3 hours of live, online learning (2–5 PM Eastern Time) 
  • 3 hours of flexible, independent coursework 
  • 3 hours of application embedded in your current position 

What you learn in this program is immediately relevant to your daily work by gaining experience and credentials simultaneously. Each week combines live online learning, flexible coursework, and application in your current role.

Recognitions

International Dyslexia Association Accredited Plus Program seal

  • International Dyslexia Association, which provided a written review of all materials and a video review of practicum experiences and coaching feedback for the undergraduate elementary education program's plus component
    •  IDA accredits the University of Indianapolis programs:
      • Undergraduate Elementary Education at Accreditation PLUS level
  • National Council for Teacher Quality (NCTQ), which provided a written review of our syllabi and course materials
    • Elementary Undergraduate with a grade of A+
  • Teacher Prep Inspection - US (TPI-US), following the Indiana Science of Reading Review, which involved a written review and a week-long on-site visit, rated the following programs as STRONG for the Quality of Literacy Instruction:
    • Elementary Undergraduate Program

Curriculum

The Elementary Education Paraprofessional Pathway is an associate-to-bachelor’s completion program designed to build on your prior coursework and professional experience. As you progress through the program, your learning is continuously connected to your current role—allowing you to apply new knowledge directly in your classroom. This program provides a clear, step-by-step pathway to licensure, ensuring you always know what comes next as you move toward becoming a licensed teacher.

Hannah Bumps ‘26 headshot
Hannah Bumps ‘26
Elementary Education

As an elementary education transfer student, I can confidently say that choosing the University of Indianapolis has been one of the best decisions for my growth as a future teacher. The supportive community, dedicated faculty, and hands-on experiences have truly prepared me to feel confident and ready for my own classroom.

UIndy Teach Faculty

You’ll be part of a cohort of peers who understand your journey, creating a strong sense of community and shared support.

Along the way, you’ll receive personalized guidance from both a:

  • School-based mentor 
  • UIndy faculty mentor 

The program’s faculty are committed to supporting your success. They bring both academic expertise and real-world experience in elementary education. This approach ensures you are supported academically, professionally, and personally throughout your journey.

Dr. Gaoming Zhang headshot
"As a faculty member in UIndy's School of Education, I'm continually impressed by the personalized support we provide to our candidates throughout their journey. Our programs are intentionally designed to accommodate the diverse needs and lifestyles of our candidates. Our coursework is highly relevant and practical, allowing candidates to immediately apply what they learn in their own K-12 classrooms. It's truly rewarding to be part of a community so deeply committed to student success and educational excellence." - Dr. Gaoming Zhang
Dr. Kea Deppe headshot
"UIndy's School of Education offers a program that truly meets candidates where they are, balancing flexibility, support, and real-world relevance. Our coursework is practical and immediately applicable, empowering paraprofessionals to grow confidently into licensed teachers. With dedicated faculty support every step of the way, candidates are never on this journey alone. It's a program built for real educators, making a real impact." - Dr. Kea Deppe
Dr. John Somers headshot
"This program is designed for paraprofessionals who are already making a difference and want to grow into licensed teachers. Every course is practical, relevant, and immediately applicable to your classroom. At UIndy, you'll have real support from faculty who understand your work and are invested in your success." - Dr. John Somers

Tuition & Financial Aid

 

First course is FREE for eligible students!

Tuition: $400 per credit hour

The tuition cost provides a high-quality, affordable pathway to becoming a licensed teacher. Designed for working paraprofessionals, this program allows you to complete your degree efficiently, so you can move forward without taking on unnecessary cost.

Finish your bachelor’s in as little as two years—while continuing to earn a full-time income.

What this means for you:

  • Competitive tuition designed for working adults 
  • Maximize transfer credits to reduce total cost 
  • Continue earning income while completing your degree

Additional Opportunities & Perks:

  • First course free for eligible students (contact us to check your eligibility). Eligible students include: 
    • Current Ivy Tech Community College students and recent graduates
    • Employees of partner organizations
    • Military affiliated learners (veterans, active-duty and reserve military personnel, and their families)
  • Partnerships with school districts and community colleges 
  • Potential access to grants, scholarships, and employer support

Financial Aid & Cost of Attendance

Financial aid is available for eligible online students, including:

  • Federal and state grants 
  • Student loans 
  • Flexible payment plans

Learn more by visiting UIndy’s Financial Aid website.

Scholarship Support

The University of Indianapolis is in the process of applying for a registered apprenticeship program with Workforce Development. If you are currently (or seeking to be) employed as a paraprofessional, intend to continue, and began after July 1, 2025, you may be eligible for a $5,000 scholarship.

Admission Requirements & Application

To be considered for admission, applicants should have:

  • An associate degree from a regionally accredited institution 
  • Transferable college coursework toward a bachelor’s degree 
  • Interest in pursuing teacher licensure in elementary education 

Personalized Support

Not sure where to start? Our team will work with you one-on-one to guide you through the application process.

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