Alternate Paths to Teaching
Not everyone comes to teaching the same way, and NNPS offers several paths into the classroom depending on where you're starting from. Whether you're substitute teaching, working as an instructional assistant, or pursuing licensure through the Associate Teacher program, each pathway gives you real classroom experience while you build the skills and credentials to grow as an educator. Take a look at the options below and find the one that fits your goals.
Need help? Call Human Resources at (757) 881-5061.
Substitute Teacher
A substitute teacher provides temporary classroom coverage when the regular teacher is absent. This is a great opportunity to gain classroom experience and explore teaching across different grade levels and content areas. Learn more about Substitute Teaching at NNPS.
Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- At least 30 semester hours of college credit
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Familiarity with the subject(s) being taught
- Knowledge of effective teaching practices
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Substitute Teacher Job Description
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
A long-term substitute provides classroom instruction for a designated period of time, typically in a specific grade level or content area. This pathway provides an opportunity to gain consistent classroom experience and develop teaching skills. Long-Term Substitute Job Description
Instructional Assistant
An instructional assistant supports teachers and students in the classroom and helps reinforce instructional goals and learning objectives in collaboration with the classroom teacher and/or reading specialist. This position allows IAs to gain hands-on experience in education without immediately becoming the lead teacher.
Requirements:
- 48 college credit hours, or
- An associate degree, or
- Successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment
- Instructional Assistant IV Job Description
Associate Teacher
An Associate Teacher must have a bachelor's degree and be enrolled in a teacher licensure program within 30 days of hire. The licensure program must align with the grade level and content area the Associate Teacher is assigned to teach.
Associate Teachers are expected to complete the teacher licensure program within the designated timeframe, pass the required Praxis examination, and meet regularly with Human Resources to provide licensure progress updates.
The goal of the Associate Teacher pathway is to gain classroom experience while completing a teacher licensure program and working toward becoming a licensed teacher.
