Due to COVID-19, professional learning opportunities may be cancelled. OPI staff will make every attempt to keep the OPI Learning Opportunities current and accurate. Please see https://covid19.mt.gov/ for additional details impacting events.


ENROLLMENT OPENS May 10, 2020 – Orientation to Special Education for Paraeducators (May 31 – Jun. 27, 2020)

This module is designed to provide a basic introduction to special education and the needs of students who have disabilities. The content consists of introductory material regarding legal and historical foundations of special education, human growth and development, the nature of disabilities, and an introduction to the basic human needs that paraeducators must address.

Created by the University of Colorado, Par2a Center.

15 Renewal Units

Enrollment opens May 10, 2020

ENROLLMENT OPENS Feb. 9, 2020 – Instructional Strategies for Paraeducators (Mar. 1 – Apr. 11, 2020)

Paraeducators must understand individual student needs for the particular level of support, the degree of accommodation or modification, and instructional method that would best facilitate learning. This course is designed to provide these instructional strategies for use in inclusive classrooms, resource rooms, and self-contained settings.

Created by the University of Colorado, Par2a Center.

Enrollment opens Feb. 9, 2020

20 OPI Renewal Units

Visit Instructional Strategies for Paraeducators on the Teacher Learning Hub to enroll

ENROLLMENT OPENS Dec. 20, 2019 – Orientation to Special Education for Paraeducators (Jan. 13 – Feb. 23, 2020)

This course is designed to provide a basic introduction to special education and the needs of students who have disabilities. The content consists of introductory material regarding legal and historical foundations of special education, human growth and development, the nature of disabilities, and an introduction to the basic human needs that paraeducators and educators must address.

Created by the University of Colorado, Par2a Center. Facilitated by Jenny Malloy, Park County Special Education Cooperative Director and Beckie Squires, Paraeducator Specialist

15 Renewal Units

Enrollment opens Dec. 20, 2019

Visit Orientation to Special Education for Paraeducators on the Teacher Learning Hub to enroll