Connecticut is facing a significant workforce gap in its public schools, with 909 unfilled paraeducator positions as of February 2026. To address this issue, Governor Ned Lamont and the State Department of Education have introduced the Paraeducator Preparation Academy, a six-week training course that will provide instruction and mentorship free of charge to aspiring paraeducators.

Training and Mentorship

The program aims to train 200 to 250 new paraeducators in the first year and will provide free materials and in-person instruction from teachers, as well as practice tests to prepare for the ParaPathways Assessment. Once participants are hired by a school, the State Department of Education will work to pair them with a veteran paraeducator who will serve as a mentor.

Paraeducators play a crucial role in supporting teachers and students, particularly those with special needs. They assist with small-group instruction, reteaching concepts, and helping students with behavioral needs. The lack of paraeducators can have a detrimental impact on students with disabilities, and advocates have warned about the importance of addressing this workforce gap.

Expansion Plans

A pilot course for the program will run through August and September in East Hartford, with 25 participants and a waitlist. The department plans to partner with schools and community organizations to expand the initiative across the state.

Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.