A smart, supported path into teaching

The JET Pathway

JET is the only education organization in Massachusetts to offer school paraprofessionals without bachelor’s degrees a pathway into teaching. We invest in paraprofessionals because they bring great passion to their work, valuable lived experience, and the drive to advance professionally.

It’s a smart, cost-effective model that pays off for everyone: students, school districts, and adult learners.

The Need We Address: More Diverse Teachers

JET is helping to close a critical workforce gap in Massachusetts schools, with a focus on urban districts where disparities between teachers’ and students’ racial, cultural, and linguistic makeup undermine student achievement.

In JET partner districts,

20% of teachers are people of color

77% of students are students of color

Teacher diversity has an impact on: student attendance, engagement, graduation rates, college aspirations, and achievement.

The Research

How the JET Pathway Works

**Recruit selectively.**

We partner directly with Massachusetts urban school districts, inviting current paraprofessionals to apply to this unique opportunity.
***Why paras without bachelor’s degrees?*** The majority (63%) of paraprofessionals in urban communities do not have college degrees and represent a large pool of potential teachers. They have extensive classroom instructional experience, yet they have been an overlooked source of talent. With deep ties to local communities and an established commitment to schools, these teacher-hopefuls are more likely to stay in the classroom and have long-term, positive impact on their students.
The main obstacle into teaching for most urban paraprofessionals is lack of a bachelor’s degree, a challenge we know how to solve.

**Tap into existing resources.**

We put a college degree within reach by connecting aspiring teachers to vital financial aid. The Massachusetts Paraprofessional Teacher Preparation Grant, a statewide program funded by the legislature, covers most undergraduate expenses for employed paraprofessionals who commit to becoming teachers in the Massachusetts public schools. A bachelor’s degree is then possible at little cost.
JET participants continue in their paraprofessional positions as they work toward their degree and licensure requirements.

Provide thoughtful, multi-year support.

JET stays with participants as they earn a bachelor’s degree and teaching license and become ready for a classroom position. Our intensive support model includes: