PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The SW FL PDP Partnership supports a paraprofessional to teacher program for practicing exceptional student education assistants and paraprofessionals holding an Associates degree or accepted into a College of Education as a first semester junior.

Paraprofessionals and Teacher Assistants are eligible for COPE II tuition sponsorship, based on availability of grant funding and critical shortage priorities. All applicants must be currently working in an Exceptional Student Education classroom or teaching an ESE population in Collier, Charlotte, Lee, Hendry, or Glades Counties. COPE II applicants must provide documentation of acceptance into a College of Education as a first semester junior and the support of their district or school administrator. In addition, COPE II applicants must complete application materials for the program and be willing to keep their records current with the SW FL PDP Office.

Applications are throughout the year and eligibility will be on a first come, first served basis. Individuals accepted into the program will be notified in writing and encouraged to take courses beginning the next semester. COPE II participants sign an agreement to teach in an ESE classroom for 2 years following graduation. Failure to do so may result in recoupment of tuition funds paid by COPE II.

Applications may be downloaded here;
COPE II Application

Cope Program Agreement