NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — North Dakota high school students who are interested in pursuing careers in education are now able to take classes to prepare them for teaching in the classroom. When the classes are completed, students can earn a "general education paraprofessional certificate," said State School Superintendent Kirsten Baesler. This qualifies them to work as an aide to a teacher and provides a head start on a wage-earning career. To earn the general education certificate, students will take a combination of two general education or career and technical education classes that give instruction in theory, method, and practice for classroom teaching. Bismarck Larks name 2024 Kid of the Year Baesler shared that by adding this to their job and college application, it can help students set themselves apart from others. If they pursue education as a career, they'll even have a head start on getting a full teaching license. "Earning a general education paraprofessional certificate gives students a chance to work in a classroom, explore teaching as a possible career, and see firsthand what a big impact a career in teaching can have on students," Baesler explained. The Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is offering several types of paraprofessional certificates, including those that allow their holders to work with special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, and Title 1 teachers. DPI has supported a "paraprofessional-to-teacher pathway" with federal COVID-19 funds — this pays tuition and other expenses for paraprofessionals who want to be licensed teachers. Since the fall of 2020, over 220 education paraprofessionals have finished the pathway. In order to qualify, people must already be working a paraprofessionals of substitute teachers in ND.