Intermediate District 287 is committed to enhancing staff career success. We have partnered with St. Cloud State University and North Hennepin Community College to develop our “grow your own” program that we call the West Metro Partnership. The focus of this program is to provide a pathway for employees to earn their teaching license in special education while working for District 287. It is also an opportunity for our staff to add a special education teacher licensure and or/add disability specific licensure to their existing license.
The West Metro Program aims to recruit, prepare, retain and support highly qualified Educational Support Professionals and Tier 1 and Tier 2 teachers on their journey to becoming a Tier 3 licensed teacher! Candidates from underrepresented backgrounds who reflect our diverse student populations are strongly encouraged to apply.
The West Metro Partnership (WMP) provides an affordable and accessible program to earn an Academic and Behavioral Strategist (ABS) teaching license. An additional special education license is ultimately required to work at Intermediate District 287’s programs, which is easily added with a few additional credits.
Participant Requirements for the West Metro Partnership (WMP) include:
- Employment with Intermediate District 287 for at least 1 year
- Administrative support to participate
- Willingness to commit to continued employment with 287 following program completion
- Completion of the EdReady assessment for reading and math
Benefits of the West Metro Partnership:
- No previous college experience is required (there are both undergraduate and graduate programs)
- You can maintain full-time employment
- Student-teaching requirements will be fulfilled at a District 287 school
- District 287 will provide up to 50% of out of pocket costs up to $5,250/year