MCC Creates Pathway for Paraprofessionals

As a working mother, Lissette Gomez-Ortiz struggled trying to fit getting an education into her schedule. A paraprofessional for Lowell Public Schools (LPS), Gomez-Ortiz, of Lowell, was able to enroll in Middlesex Community College’s accelerated track of the elementary education transfer degree. Through the program, she can earn her associate degree in two years and transfer 60 credits to a four-year institution to earn her bachelor’s.

“Being a working mom while taking courses can definitely be challenging, and can feel like a lot at times,” Gomez-Ortiz said. “That’s why this program has made such a big difference for me. The support I receive –especially from my advisors – really helps me stay on track. They work with my schedule, help me choose the right courses, and make the whole process feel more manageable. Because of that, I’m able to move through my classes a little easier and a little faster.”

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Funded by a grant from the Smith Family Foundation, the program allows paraprofessionals from Lowell, Lawrence and Salem Public Schools to start at Middlesex before transferring to UMass Lowell, Fitchburg State or Salem State University through articulation agreements.

“MCC’s program creates a clear pathway to teaching for people who are committed to educating children,” said Jennifer Freeman, MCC’s Dean, Office of Career Integrated Learning. “The program has been structured to be accessible for paraprofessionals, a key population to build the state’s educator workforce, and get them onto the path toward earning bachelor’s degrees.”

"The Lowell Public Schools Teacher Academy values its partnership with Middlesex Community College, which affords LPS staff flexible and cost-effective opportunities to pursue certificates and degrees while advancing their professional careers," said Karen Casey, Assistant Director, Lowell Teacher Academy.

Paraprofessionals also receive individualized advising and guidance from staff at Middlesex, in addition to meeting weekly on Zoom. For Gomez-Ortiz, having access to MCC’s advisors has made a positive impact on her education. She has also formed strong bonds with other paraprofessionals in her cohort.

“We’re able to connect with others in our field, lean on each other for help in our courses, vent about challenges, and support each other through it all, which is so important,” Gomez-Ortiz said. “I love seeing familiar names in my classes and feeling comfortable enough to reach out or offer help.”

Most of the classes in the program are online asynchronous, according to Lily Goode, MCC’s Coordinator of Apprenticeship Initiatives. Students complete assigned coursework at times that work best for their schedules.

“The program allows students to continue working their full-time jobs while in school, creating a flexible and supportive environment to guide them to success,” Goode said. “Free community college also helps make the program more accessible to students.”

Being able to work while taking classes also allows Gomez-Ortiz to apply what she’s learning to real-world experiences. She enjoys using concepts and strategies she studies in class in her teaching. Keeping her focused, she believes the program is preparing her to be a well-rounded educator.

“I want to create a classroom where all students feel seen and supported and be someone my students can relate to and look up to,” Gomez-Ortiz said. “Being able to bring diversity and representation into the classroom is really important to me, and this program is helping me get there while still balancing everything else in my life.”